Nippy Dippers Terms and Conditions - Spring Valley Lakes
Rules and Terms and Conditions - PLEASE READ BEFORE ENTERING!
1. Race organisation
Arctic Flappers Nippy Dippers is organised by The Bluetits Chill Swimmers Ltd.
Registered office address: Unit 5, Glasfryn Lane, St. Davids, Haverfordwest, Wales, SA62 6FH
Company number: 12850580
Email: toot_toot@thebluetits.co
2. Entry pre-requisite
All entrants must be 18 or over.
3. Course
Arctic Flappers Nippy Dippers - 12 and 13 September 2026 will take place at Spring Valley Lakes, Rheola Farm Glyneath Lakes, Neath SA11 4DY.
3.1 The distances will be clearly marked and marshalled.
3.2 Entrants must follow the marked course and instructions of marshals at all times.
4. Equipment
As well as your usual swim kit and things to keep you warm, you will need:
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A tow float and a swim hat
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Swim shoes
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If entering the 1km, 1.5km, or Flock Around The Clock swim, we strongly recommend nominating a warm up buddy to hold your robe and help you dress afterwards.
Equipment/state of dress that is not allowed:
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Fins
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Nudity
5. Cutoffs
While most events are not timed, if the swim safety team feel that you need to be retired from the swim for any reason, you must do so without complaint.
For the 1.5km swim, there is a cut off time of 1 hour. If we feel you won’t be able to complete the distance in this time, we’ll guide you back the shorter route.
6. Statement of risk
Outdoor swimming or dipping is physically challenging and carries with it the risk of personal injury, including (but not limited to) cold water shock, hypothermia, drowning, sickness from polluted water, injury from wildlife, other swimmers, other water users or debris in the water. In case of any doubt please consult your GP before booking.
7. Swimmers responsibility
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The participant must be able to comfortably swim their chosen distance in water temperatures below 15ºC.
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We ask all participants of the 1.5km to complete the qualifier form, and bring it on the day. Not signing this qualifier form may result in you not being able to take part in your chosen event, with no refund of entry fee. Please see booking information prior to purchase for further details.
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We will ask all participants of the 1.5km and 1km swims to sign a declaration on the day confirming their ability to swim their chosen distance, as well as that in the 6 months prior to the event they have successfully swum at least 500m (if taking part in the 1km swim) or 750m (if taking part in the 1.5km swim) in water under 15ºC. Not signing this declaration may result in you not being able to take part in your chosen event, with no refund of entry fee. Please see booking information prior to purchase for further details.
- All participants of the Flock Around The Clock 4 hour Challenge swim will be required on the day to sign a declaration confirming their competency and ability to swim the event (either as a soloist or as part of a team) in water that could be as low as 15ºC.
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Participants compete in all events entirely at their own risk.
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Participants must attend registration by at least 45 minutes before the scheduled time or will forfeit their entry with no refund of entry fee.
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Each participant is responsible for making sure that they attend and listen to the safety briefing, and failure to attend will result in not being able to take part in their event. Refunds of entry fee will not be given for events missed due to missing the safety briefing.
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Do not swim under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
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If you are pregnant, have any health conditions or are taking prescribed medication you must obtain professional or specialist advice from your doctor before participating.
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If you are asked to retire from the race you must do so without complaint.
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The use of headphones is prohibited.
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The use of fins or paddles is prohibited.
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The participants shall treat all other entrants, spectators, Bluetit volunteers, and the team at the venue with kindness and respect.
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Littering will not be tolerated.
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The organiser’s decision on whether or not a swimmer has infringed any of the above rules will be final.
8. Cancellation & entry charges
Cancellation by Participants
8.1 You may cancel your entry at any time, up to three days before the event. However, refunds are only available under the conditions outlined below.
8.2 You are eligible for a refund if you cancel within 14 days of purchase, in line with online selling regulations, unless:
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Your entry was purchased within 14 days of the event date, or
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The total value of your order is £42 or less.
8.3 No refunds will be issued more than 14 days after purchase (outside of exceptions above), regardless of the reason for cancellation. This includes inability to attend due to illness, injury, travel issues, or scheduling conflicts. We recommend obtaining sports event and travel insurance to cover these scenarios.
Cancellation or Changes by the Organiser
8.4 If the event is cancelled or if the event date or location is significantly changed such that you are no longer able to attend, you will receive a refund of the ticket cost only. We will not be liable for any other losses incurred.
Event Modifications
8.5 For safety reasons, we may shorten the swim distance or make other necessary adjustments to the event format.
8.6 No refunds will be provided for changes made for safety purposes.
8.7 No deferrals or transfers are allowed. This includes transferring your ticket to a different distance, event, or to a different person.
8.8 Entries on the day - All tickets are sold in advance, but there may be spaces available on the day due to non-arrivals. Spaces are not guaranteed, and you may not be guaranteed a patch and badge or goodie bag.
9. Filming
There will be filming and photographing during the event, and The Bluetits Chill Swimmers reserves the right to use all footage captured on the day.
By entering the event, you agree to abide by these rules.