Australian Chloë McCardel will begin a 16-hour indoor swim in a swim spa at the SPASA Pool & Spa and Outdoor Living Expo in Melbourne on midnight January 31st.

If successful, McCardel will swim the equivalent of one and a half crossings of the English Channel while swimming in place.

Swimming into a series of water jets for resistance, McCardel will attempt to set a new standard by swimming entirely within a 4-meter x 2-meter pool. The time record can be challenged and broken in the future.

“This is an amazing opportunity to set a new benchmark in endurance swimming,” McCardel said. “The swim spa presents the challenge in a new environment, where spectators can witness the hours tick by, while also showcasing a unique way of enjoying a long distance swim without needing to travel a long way to do it.”

McCardel will adhere to the regulations of the Channel Swimming Association. Although given the unique nature of setting this standard, certain regulations are modified to meet the conditions of indoor tank swimming. She will not be allowed any intentional touching or standing on the bottom or sides or the spa, nor is intentional touching of other people allowed. An independent representative who is a trained and active sports official will officially observe the swim to ensure that the record guidelines are followed.

She will attempt to swim the 16 hours non-stop, but will be allowed approved feeding and toilet breaks. She will also be allowed to use gels and solutions on her body to reduce chafing. The rules and regulations of the attempt are below with additional details at www.spaashow.com.au.

Rules for McCardel’s Swim Spa World Record

* The swim will be in a commercially available standard Swim Spa, Model – Leisurescape Trainer.
* McCardel will be attempting to swim for 16 hours non-stop (including regulation breaks).
* A 10-minute toilet break on average every 3 hours. This is for hygienic and sanitary purposes and includes return time to get out of spa and travel to and from the toilet.
* McCardel is allowed to wear one pair of standard bathers, 1x cap (latex or silicon), 1x set of goggles, 1x nose clip and 1x set of ear plugs and a solution on her body to prevent / reduce chafing. Bathers will adhere to the Channel Swimming Association rules.
* If any medical attention is required and McCardel is required to stop swimming the time must be used within the allotted time for toilet breaks.
* No intentional touching or standing on the bottom or sides or the spa, excludes a 10-minute toilet break on average every 3 hours.
* No intentional touching of other people or people are allowed to touch McCardel.
* The event will be electronically timed and recorded with a live web cam feed via Google Hangout streamed live to the show web site and McCardel’s website.
* An Independent representative who is a trained and active sports official will officially observe the swim to ensure that any record guidelines are adhered to.
* The independent observer will submit a statutory declaration (legal document in Australia after the swim stating whether all the rules where observed and recording all the relevant details of the swim).
* The observers sole responsibility is to time the swim, observe and record swim details against the pre-determined rules. They may not assist the swim in any way.
* No support swimmers, other people nor objects are allowed in the spa.
* Any swimming stroke, swimming action or kicking is allowed.
* The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) prohibited drug list applies to this swim.

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