Summit Swimmer Programme Rules & Framework

To be considered for the CLDSA Summit Swimmer Programme, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

2.1 Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be nominated by a member of the swimming community.
• Demonstrate a genuine passion for swimming and be capable of swimming at least 1.6 km continuously in a swimming pool.
• Be 18 years of age or older.
• Be a previously disadvantaged or historically disadvantaged South African.
• Be economically disadvantaged.
• Be motivated to complete a Robben Island crossing during the applicable CLDSA swim season.
• Be willing to represent CLDSA as a positive ambassador for the sport.
• Reside in the Western Cape.*

*The Western Cape residency requirement applies only to the 2026/2027 swim season and may be reviewed for future programme cycles.

2.2 Selection Considerations

Meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection.

The CLDSA Committee will consider all eligible nominations and reserves the right to:

• Select the number of participants based on available programme capacity and resources.
• Ensure, where reasonably possible, an appropriate balance of genders.
• Ensure, where reasonably possible, representation of both wetsuit and skins swimmers.
• Consider any other factors that support the objectives of the Summit Swimmer Programme.

Each selected Summit Swimmer will receive a sponsorship package to support their preparation for and completion of a Robben Island crossing.

The sponsorship package includes:

• CLDSA membership fees for two years.
• Subscription to the Robben Island training programme through Wave Workouts by Michelle Weber or another provider chosen by the CLDSA.
• Skipper fees and swim permit for the Robben Island crossing.
• Mentoring and guidance from a designated CLDSA committee member or nominated person.
• CLDSA merchandise.
• A medal and ratification certificate recognising successful completion of the swim, presented at the annual CLDSA Awards Evening in Cape Town.
• Attendance at the CLDSA Awards Evening for the swimmer and one partner.

The support provided through the Summit Swimmer Programme is intended to assist participants with the preparation, execution and recognition of their long-distance swimming achievement.

3.1 Sponsorship Conditions

• Sponsorship benefits are awarded to the selected swimmer and are not transferable or exchangeable for cash.
• Any expenses not specifically included in the sponsorship package remain the responsibility of the swimmer.
• Sponsorship is subject to the swimmer fulfilling the programme commitments outlined in Section 4.

3.2 Swim Attempts & Postponements

• Sponsorship covers one Robben Island crossing attempt per swimmer.
• Postponements before the swim commences do not count as an attempt.
• Any additional costs or subsequent attempts require approval from the CLDSA Committee and are not automatically covered.

3.3 Sponsorship Review

The CLDSA Committee reserves the right to review and adjust the sponsorship package for future programme cycles, based on available funding, sponsorship agreements and operational requirements.

Summit Swimmer Programme participants are expected to actively engage with the programme and commit to the preparation, completion and promotion of their swimming journey.

Participants are required to:

4.1 Programme Participation

• Confirm their willingness to participate in the programme in writing to CLDSA.
• Commit to an intended Robben Island crossing date between September and March of that swim season.
• Attend an introductory meeting with CLDSA to discuss programme details, expectations and any questions.
• Join the designated Summit Swimmer WhatsApp group, which will be used for communication, updates and support.
• Provide monthly feedback on their swim preparation progress via the WhatsApp group by the 15th of each month.
• Communicate any challenges or circumstances that may affect their preparation or participation to CLDSA or their assigned mentor.

4.2 Engagement with CLDSA

• Create a user account on the CLDSA website.
• Follow CLDSA communication channels, including Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, to remain informed and engaged with the swimming community.
• Familiarise themselves with the applicable CLDSA official swim rules and requirements for a recognised Robben Island crossing.

4.3 CLDSA Ambassador Responsibilities

• Wear provided CLDSA merchandise when participating in major swimming events to increase visibility and awareness of the association.
• Support and share CLDSA communication and social media content where possible.
• Be available for CLDSA-related social media content, interviews, talks and videos.
• Share their Summit Swimmer Programme experience and journey to inspire and encourage other aspiring swimmers.

By participating in the programme, Summit Swimmers become representatives of CLDSA and are encouraged to embody the values of commitment, respect, sportsmanship and community.

4.4 Withdrawal & Non-Participation

• Swimmers who wish to withdraw from the programme or are unable to fulfil their commitments must inform CLDSA as soon as reasonably possible.
• Where a swimmer repeatedly fails to meet programme commitments without reasonable explanation, CLDSA reserves the right to review or discontinue their sponsorship.
• Any decision to discontinue sponsorship will be made by the CLDSA Committee after discussing the circumstances with the swimmer.

Each Summit Swimmer Programme participant will be assigned a mentor from the CLDSA Committee, or a nominated person, to provide guidance, encouragement and support throughout their programme journey.

The role of the mentor is to:

• Provide guidance and support during the swimmer's preparation for their Robben Island crossing.
• Assist the swimmer in understanding and meeting the programme requirements and expectations.
• Offer encouragement, motivation and advice throughout the training process.
• Maintain regular communication with the swimmer and provide assistance where reasonably possible.
• Act as a link between the swimmer and CLDSA.

While the mentor provides guidance and support, responsibility for training, preparation and readiness to attempt the Robben Island crossing remains with the swimmer.

The mentorship relationship aims to build confidence, encourage personal growth and provide a positive and supportive experience throughout the programme.

The CLDSA Summit Swimmer Programme will be managed and overseen by the CLDSA Committee, or a nominated person, to ensure consistent implementation and alignment with the programme's objectives.

6.1 Nomination & Selection Process

The nomination and selection process will consist of the following steps:

1. Community Nomination: A swimmer is nominated by a member of the swimming community, preferably an active member of the CLDSA. Nominations must be submitted through the official CLDSA nomination process within the published nomination period.
2. Swimmer Motivation: The nominated swimmer provides a motivation outlining their swimming background, commitment to the sport, and reasons for wanting to participate in the Summit Swimmer Programme.
3. Committee Review and Approval: The CLDSA Committee reviews the nomination against the programme eligibility criteria and approves the selected participant(s).
4. Formal Communication: Successful swimmers receive formal written confirmation of their selection into the programme.
5. Programme Introduction Meeting: A meeting is held with the swimmer, CLDSA representative(s) and, if possible, the nominator to discuss programme expectations, sponsorship and support.
6. Participant Agreement: The selected swimmer signs a Summit Swimmer Programme agreement confirming their commitment to the programme requirements and responsibilities.

6.2 Programme Management

The CLDSA Committee, or nominated person, is responsible for:

• Coordinating the annual nomination and selection process.
• Communicating programme requirements, timelines and expectations.
• Maintaining participant records and programme documentation.
• Coordinating mentorship, sponsorship and programme support.
• Monitoring participant progress and engagement.
• Managing communication between participants, mentors and relevant stakeholders.
• Ensuring that programme commitments and sponsorship requirements are fulfilled.

The programme's timelines, support and participation requirements may be reviewed annually by the CLDSA Committee to ensure its continued effectiveness and sustainability.

The CLDSA Summit Swimmer Programme aims to recognise the commitment, dedication and achievements of each participant throughout their swimming journey.

7.1 Programme Completion & Recognition

Successful completion of the Summit Swimmer Programme is dependent on completing a Robben Island crossing and having the swim officially ratified in accordance with CLDSA requirements.

Upon successful completion, Summit Swimmers will receive:

• Official recognition as a completed Summit Swimmer Programme participant.
• A CLDSA medal and ratification certificate recognising their achievement.
• Recognition at the annual CLDSA AGM and Awards Evening in Cape Town.
• The opportunity to share their journey and inspire future participants in the programme.

7.2 Unsuccessful Swim Attempts

CLDSA recognises that completing a Robben Island crossing is a significant challenge and that not all attempts will be successful.

Swimmers who do not successfully complete their crossing will still be recognised for their participation, commitment and efforts throughout the programme, but will not receive official recognition as having completed the Summit Swimmer Programme.

7.3 Continued Involvement

All participants are encouraged to remain involved in the CLDSA community, share their experiences and continue supporting the growth and development of long-distance open water swimming, regardless of the outcome of their crossing.

The CLDSA Summit Swimmer Programme will be reviewed periodically by the CLDSA Committee to ensure that it continues to meet its objectives and remains sustainable.

The review may consider:

• Participant feedback and experiences.
• Programme outcomes and achievements.
• The effectiveness of the support provided.
• Available resources, funding and sponsorship.
• Opportunities for improvement and future development.

The CLDSA Committee reserves the right to amend the programme framework, requirements and processes where necessary.

Any amendments will be published through CLDSA's official communication channels. Changes affecting existing participants will be communicated directly and will not automatically alter the terms of their signed Participant Agreements.