1. clause headings are for convenience only and shall not to be used in its interpretation;
2. unless the context clearly indicates a contrary intention, an expression which denotes -
   1. any gender includes the other genders;
   2. a natural person includes a juristic person and vice versa,
   3. the singular includes the plural and vice versa;
3. words and expressions defined in any clause shall, unless the application of any such word or expression is specifically limited to that clause, bear the meaning assigned to such word or expression throughout this Constitution;
4. terms other than those defined within this Constitution will be given their plain English meaning;
5. defined terms appearing in this Constitution in title case shall be given their meaning as defined, while the same terms appearing in lower case shall be interpreted in accordance with their plain English meaning, and shall, unless the context otherwise requires, include the terms as defined;
6. reference to any statutory enactment shall be construed as a reference to that enactment within the Republic of South Africa ( “South Africa”) as at the date of signature of this Constitution by the Founding Members, and as amended or substituted from time to time;
7. reference to months shall be construed as calendar months (i.e. one or more of the twelve periods into which a conventional year is divided) or conventional years (i.e. 1 January to 31 December);
8. reference to "days" shall be construed as calendar days unless qualified by the word "business", in which instance a "business day" shall be any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or statutory public holiday in South Africa;
9. reference to "business hours" shall be construed as being the hours between 08h30 (eight hours and thirty minutes) and 17h00 (seventeen hours) on any business day;
10. reference to time shall be based upon South African standard time (SAST) being Greenwich Mean Time plus 2 (two) hours;
11. unless specifically provided otherwise, in this Constitution, any number of days prescribed shall be determined by excluding the first and including the last day or, where the last day falls on a day other than a business day, the next succeeding business day;
12. unless a contrary intention is clearly indicated, where figures are referred to in numerals and in words, and there is any conflict between the two, the words shall prevail;
13. the words "include" and "including" shall be used interchangeably and shall not be construed as limiting the meaning of the general wording preceding and/ or succeeding those words;
14. application of the eiusdem generis rule is therefore excluded; and
15. reference to “clause” or “clauses”, “annexe” or “annexes” shall refer to clauses and annexes of this Constitution.

In this Constitution, the following expressions bear the meanings assigned to them below and cognate expressions bear corresponding meanings –

1. “Applicable Law” means all legislation, regulations and directives enacted within South Africa, as amended or substituted from time to time and applicable to the operations and objectives of the Association;
2. "Association" means the International Ice Swimming Association founded in terms of this Constitution;
3. “Managers” means the persons appointed in terms of this Constitution to manage the affairs of the Association and “Manager” shall mean any one of such persons as the context may require;
4. "Board" means the body of Managers appointed in terms of this Constitution to govern and manage the Association;
5. “Commissioner” means the Commissioner for the South African Revenue Service;
6. "Constitution" means this document as the governing document of the Association, including any annexure hereto;
7. “Director of Non-profit Organisations” means the Director appointed in South Africa in terms of the Non-profit Organisations Act 71 of 1997, to oversee and regulate the activities of non-profit organisations;
8. “Ice Swim” and “Ice Swimming” shall be used interchangeably and shall mean an extreme swimming event conforming with the criteria as set out in this Constitution;
9. "Founder " means the person responsible for founding of the Association being Ram Barkai (ID Number 5710225222081) South African;
10. “Initial Members” means the Founder together with:
    1. Ryan Stramrood, (ID Number 7308105213086), South African;
    2. Matthys Christoffel Viviers, (ID Number 6203185041088), South African;
    3. Kieron Palframan, (ID Number 7403195147086), South African; and
    4. Andrew Chin (ID Number 6901215186084), South African;
11. The Initial Members shall also be referred to as the Founding Members.
12. "Members" means the persons approved by the Managers to partake in the objectives of the Association;
13. "Secretary" means the Manager appointed to act as the Association’s secretary or such other person that may be appointed as such from time to time for this purpose;
14. "South Africa" means the Republic of South Africa.
15. “Ambassador” or “Country Ambassador” means an IISA representative in a specific country with the role to represent the IISA in their respective country, to act as a local point of reference and to supervise and advise on IISA related issues, events or Ice Swimmers. Country Ambassadors shall report to the IISA Board.
16. “ECG” / “EKG” – Electrocardiography, shall mean resting or stress ECG as prescribed by your local GP.
17. “Medical Examination” – A medical done by a GP or other doctor who has been informed of the swimmer intention to swim, the swim details and the Swimmer medical history. A favourite Medical statement by the Doctor is compulsory for any swim attempt.

1. The Association is hereby established, upon the terms and subject to the conditions, and for the objectives as hereinafter set forth in this Constitution.
2. The Association shall –
   1. have complete legal personality and exist in its own right separately from its Members and Managers;
   2. continue to exist notwithstanding any change in its Members and Managers;
   3. be able to own property in its own right that is separate from its Members and Managers; and
   4. be able to institute legal action and defend any legal action and be able to contract in its own name.

1. The name of the Association shall be the International Ice Swimming Association (“IISA”)

1. The Association shall be domiciled within South Africa.
2. The Association’s domicilia citandi et executandi for all purposes arising from or in relation to this Constitution and/ or the Association shall be –
   1. Postal address: PO Box 32448, Camps Bay 8040, Cape Town, South Africa
   2. Websites: www.internationaliceswimming.com
   3. E-mail: ram.barkai.iceswimming@gmail.com
3. The Board may by notice to the Members change the Association’s domicilium.

1. The Association shall be based in Cape Town, South Africa and shall promote Ice Swims around the world including Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe, and Oceania.

1. For the purposes of accounting and record keeping, the Association’s year-end shall be the last day of February of every year.

IISA is registered in South Africa as a Not for Profit Organization (“NPO”).

All income generated from IISA activities shall be directed towards the growth and administration of the Ice Swims.

IISA offers a 3-tier membership structure:

1. Ice Membership (Full Membership) - shall be acquired by a successful and accredited IISA Ice Mile.
   1. Ice Members shall receive a certificate, Badge and Red Jacket.
2. Cold Membership shall be acquired by anyone who successfully completes a 1km ice swim event and is endorsed by IISA and the particular Event Director.
   1. Cold Members shall receive an IISA certificate only.
3. Warm Membership - Shall be acquired by any person that wishes to associate with IISA as a coach, referee, support provider, medical, or as a volunteer. Warm Member will receive Membership acknowledgment only.

IISA Membership will provide each member with a unique login to the IISA website.

1. All applications for Membership shall be made in writing and addressed to the Board in the format as determined by the Board from time to time and such application shall include;
   1. Pre-Approval;
      1. save that where an individual Ice Swim attempt has been organised by the swimmer following all IISA safety requirements and rules, then pre-approval shall not be required by the IISA board;
      2. an Ice Swim attempt organised to accommodate several swimmers shall require notification to IISA in the manner and form as described in the Ice Mile Event Manual;
2. the Ice Swim affidavit completed in the manner and format specified (See Swim Affidavit);
3. original pictures of the following:
   1. entry into the water;
   2. exit from the water;
   3. the three thermometers readings;
   4. the swimming course;
   5. at least a one minute video clip of uninterrupted swimming in the first half of the swim;
   6. at least a one minute video clip of uninterrupted swimming in the second half of the swim;
   7. all three thermometer readings together with a time/date stamp
4. Proof of compliance with a safety plan that complies with the standard IISA safety protocols [See IISA Safety Plan];
5. A proof of payment of application fees
6. The Board shall consider all applications for membership and shall have sole discretion to accept or reject any applications for membership.
7. Upon confirmation of a successful application, a Member shall receive a digital certificate and entry into the IISA record book
8. The Association reserves the right to promote the applicant’s swim on its website and in other publications in relation to and/ or in connection with IISA affairs worldwide.

Download a pdf version of this form

Download a pdf version of this form

1. Each Member shall abide by the rules and regulations of the Association as set out in this Constitution and as determined by the Board from time to time.
2. No Member shall have the right to contract on behalf of or bind the Association in any manner whatsoever.
3. No Member shall, as a result of becoming a Member of the Association, be entitled to any of the assets and/ or proceeds derived by the Association as result of any IISA activities or events;
4. No member shall, by virtue of becoming a Member of the Association, be liable for any of the Association’s obligations.

1. Any Member that breaches any of the terms of this Constitution or any rule or regulation, as determined by the Board from time to time, shall be subject to immediate disqualification as Member of the Association at the sole discretion of the Board.
2. Any Manager or Member may direct any suspected breach by a Member of the rules of the Association or any other action by a Member in contravention of the spirit and objectives of the Association to the Board for consideration.
3. The Board shall determine any such report in a manner and form as the Board deems fit under the circumstances, and shall make any such ruling as the Board at its sole discretion deems appropriate.
4. Rulings made by the Board in terms of this clause shall not be subject to appeal.

The International Ice Swimming Association (“IISA”) was founded as a non-profit association on 1-July-2009 in Cape Town, South Africa by Ram Barkai (founder), Andrew Chin, Ryan Stramrood, Toks Viviers and Kieron Palframan (founding members).

• Ram Barkai (South Africa)  Chairman
• Ned Denison (Ireland)    Director
• Jonty Warneken (UK)        Director
• Ryan Stramrood  (SA)        Director
• Kieron Palframan (SA)      Director
• Andrew Chin (SA)              Invitee
• Toks Viviers (SA)               Invitee

IISA provides guidelines and membership for Ice Swimming, which is defined as the completion of an unassisted one mile (1.609km) swim in water temperature of 5°C (41°F) or lower (see constitution and rules) and, more recently, recognises the 1km distance under organised event rules as an Ice Mile qualifier.

Currently IISA has 90 members from 15 countries (see appendix A).

IISA’s objectives, as detailed in its Constitution are:

1. The promotion of ‘Ice Swims’ around the world;
2. provision of recognition of swimmers having completed an Ice Swim;
3. promotion of safety in extreme swimming events;
4. establishment of annual Ice Swims around the world;
5. promotion of medical research relating to cold water swimming;
6. promotion of knowledge and understanding of swimming in ice and cold water;
7. raising awareness about the environments in which Ice Swims take place;
8. investing and building into the communities living in the areas in which Ice Swims take place.

See IISA Membership

Although now well established in its own right, IISA is a young but growing organization, which continues, via learnings from local and international swimming events, to grow its knowledge base on issues relating to safety and swimmers’ health. It is our experience that spending prolonged amounts of time in waters of 5°C or less will expose a person to significant risks. IISA has therefore decided to keep the official Ice Mile swims as an individual challenge and ultimate personal achievement.

On July 2014, IISA introduced a new swim distance of 1km, taking place under IISA rules, to be a recognised distance by IISA. A swimmer’s completion of this distance does not provide for full ‘Ice Membership’ but rather ‘Cold Membership’ as defined above. It is also not recognised as an individual swim or achievement, but as a race event distance. The new shorter distance of 1km provides a platform whereby Ice Mile aspirants can work towards the ultimate Ice Mile challenge and full ‘Ice Membership’. The 1km distance has been introduced primarily to limit a swimmer’s exposure to extreme cold temperatures to an average of 20 minutes, thereby protecting the safety of swimmers at IISA events.

This document merely outlines the rules, regulations and safety procedures for IISA 1km events, and therefore event organisers, race directors and competitors are strongly advised to use these rules as a base from which to start. The required safety measures should further be enhanced according to the event location, participants and the prevailing conditions at the time of the event. Some of the technical terms utilized in this document may have varying meanings and implications for different countries or local governments. The Rule of Thumb to be adopted is: when in doubt, assume that safety requires more rather than less.

The IISA’s vision is to increase the uptake of Ice Swimming experiences through exposure to 1km events. Further, it is envisioned that an internationally unified manifesto of competition and safety, rules and procedures be created. And lastly that winter/extreme cold water swimming be promoted and included, in whatever form, as a Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games sport for the 2022 Winter Games.

• “Event” – a 1km IISA regulated swimming race;
• “Event Director” – the organizer ultimately responsible for the event;
• “IISA Official” – an IISA Ice Member qualified as an official for the Event. The Event Director, Referee or other can double as an IISA Official as long as they are free to roam around the Event grounds and are not bound to a Recovery Facility.
• “Referee” – race referee responsible for adherence to race rules in all aspects. The Referee has the ultimate power to disqualify a swimmer or pull a swimmer out, at his/her discretion without any delay, negotiations or appeal.
• “Recovery Officer” – a medical doctor experienced in winter/extreme cold water swimming. The Recovery Officer will oversee the recovery of the swimmers post Event, and has the responsibility to monitor swimmers’ recovery, decide on emergency or evacuation protocol, and discharge swimmers from the Recovery Facility.
• “Recovery Facility” – specially designated room/s with the required facilities to assist and monitor the swimmers’ recovery post Event. The Recovery Facility must be of a suitable size to accommodate at least four recovering swimmers as well as Medical staff.
• “Recovery Protocol” - protocol specifying the process of swimmer recovery post Event.
• “Safety Officer” – the person responsible for all safety arrangements pre, during and post event. That person has the ultimate power to call on/off the event based on safety judgment call.
• “Swimmer” – a competitor in the event
• “Second” – A person accompanying the Swimmer. The Second’s responsibility is to watch the Swimmer throughout, from change room to recovery until the Swimmer has been declared as fully recovered by the Recovery Officer.
• “Jumper” – a Designated person who is tasked with diving into the water to aid a swimmer in an emergency.
• “Time Keeper” – a person taking the time of the swimmers’ swim. Each swimmer will have at least one Time Keeper.
• “Safety Buoy” – an IISA approved floating device that may be used by the Swimmer during the event. The use of the buoy is for emergency only, if a swim official suspects that the swimmer is using the device to assist in the swim in any way, the swimmer will be disqualified immediately.
• “Event Committee” – a committee comprising of at least an Event Director, Safety Officer, IISA Official with a minimum of 3 individuals. Roles cannot be shared.
• “Event Plan” a plan required to be submitted to IISA at least 3 month before a planned Event for approval. IISA will provide a template plan.
• “Medical Testing Area” – a designated area where swimmers can have their blood pressure, heart rate, core body temperature [Optional] and ECG (EKG) tested.
• “Winter Swimming” – means the Winter Swimming Association http://openwaterpedia.com/index.php?title=IWSA
• “IISA Language” – to avoid any confusion, the official language of IISA will be English. All IISA’s required documentation must be presented in English. If a required document or communication is done in the local or other language, it has to include an English translation.  
• “Event Language” – The official Language of each event will be decided by the Event Committee as per Event location, however, IISA language must prevail when in doubt.

• The event will consist of a 1,000-meter course.
• The number of swimmers in the event and per heat are subject to local safety measures, medical facilities and recovery facilities.
• IISA requires at least one medical doctor with relevant experience per 4 swimmers in recovery. (for example, if a heat has 8 swimmers at least two doctors must be at the recovery facility).
• One Doctor must be at the swim area to observe swimmers and assist in spotting potential emergency.
• Consequent heats will only commence once the Recovery Officer is satisfied that previous swimmers have recovered sufficiently to allow for full medical facility readiness for the new heat. (ratio of 4:1 Swimmers : Doctor prevails at all times)
• A Swimmer can participate in a maximum of one swim per day.
• The course can be a 25m/50m pool or an open water body with a maximum single swimming leg of 250m. The swimmer must never be further than 100m from a point of land to which he/she can be evacuated and easily taken to the Recovery Facility if needed.
• Water Temperature on event day must adhere to IISA rules of 5.00°C (41.00°F) or lower. This is to be measured and documented by the Event Director using at least three digital thermometers which have a minimum variance of 1.00°C and at least one decimal point. If the average water temperature is close to 5.00°C, a temperature reading is required prior to every race.
• Diving is not allowed and a full hazard inspection must be performed by the Event Director and the Safety Officer until satisfied that the Swimmers are not at risk.
• Turns – if the Event is held in a pool or water body requiring a 180° turn and the place provides a surface that allows for pushing off the wall, swimmers are only allowed to perform an open turn with a push. Tumble Turns are not allowed for safety reasons.
• Push/Dive – when pushing off a wall or diving at the start, the Swimmers are allowed a shallow submergence for a maximum distance of 5 meters (usually to the flags in a racing pool), which is to be monitored by the Event Referee. If the course allows for it, a marker will be placed at the 5m point.
• Swim attire – As detailed in IISA rules
• Safety Buoys are only allowed in the open water, and therefore not in a swimming pool. It is not mandatory for a Swimmer to use a safety buoy during the Event, however, this is subject to the Event Director’s discretion to enforce the use of Safety Buoys in an Open Water Event. The Event Director will supply Safety Buoys.
• Safety Belt – each swimmer must swim with a Safety Belt. A Safety Belt is a light material belt sitting around the swimmers’ hips. The Event Director will provide the swimmers with the Belt. The Belt is required to allow for easy grip / attachment to the Swimmer in case of emergency. If the Swimmer is using a Safety Buoy as described above, he/she is not required to also wear a Safety Belt. (See Appendix B - Swim Attire)
• A false start will allow for a restart. A second false start will call for immediate disqualification of the Swimmer.
• The officially permitted stroke is front crawl. IISA reserves the right to allow a swimmer to swim breaststroke as their stroke of choice in special cases (upon prior application).
• Swimmers can convert to breaststroke briefly for no more than five consecutive strokes.
• Each Swimmer must have a Second. The Second will accompany the Swimmer to the start, will attend to his/her clothing and, when the swimmer exits the water, it is the seconder’s responsibility to make sure that the Swimmer is immediately taken to the recovery facility and is treated until discharged by the Recovery Officer.
• The Safety Officer will appoint at least two Jumpers who will be ready to dive into the water and assist a Swimmer if required. The Jumper will be dressed in a dry suit, or other diving suit, which will allow him/her to remain in the water for an extended period without risk to him/herself.
• Cut off time – there is no official cut off time. However, the Referee has the discretion to pull a Swimmer out if he/she sees a significant drop in stroke rate, continues to change stroke, significant pace slow down, or any other signs that may lead the Referee to conclude that the Swimmer is at risk.
• No resting is allowed on lane ropes, marker buoys, safety buoys or any other element while swimming.
• Standing or using any other assistance as described above, during a swim will call for immediate disqualification.
• Involuntary touching of lane ropes, boats or other will not be deemed as a disqualification. However, the Referee reserves his/her judgment if he/she deems it to have been deliberate.
• A designated Officer at the Event cannot participate in the Event.

• Each event will be recorded and submitted to IISA for record keeping. Local record keeping is encouraged as long as it is in line with the IISA’s Record Book, which will be the master overriding record log. IISA will publish a worldwide 1km Event Record log.
• A distinction will be made between Pool events and Open Water Events. No distinction will be made within Pool Events or within Open water Event.
• No Distinction will be made in terms of conditions, water temperature and other possible differentiating factors.

• The Referee is allowed at his/her discretion to disqualify a Swimmer before, during or after the Event at his/her discretion if he/she has sound reason to believe that a Swimmer has breached any of the Event and/or IISA rules.
• An Appeal may be submitted within 30 minutes of a Swimmer’s official recovery to the Event Director. The Event Committee will consider the Appeal and judgment will be published by the end of Event day.
• The Second of a Swimmer does not have authority to call for his/her Swimmer’s removal from the Event, however, he/she must advise the Referee when appropriate, and the Referee must consider the Second’s recommendation. The Referee may consult with the Second before terminating a swim, however this is not an obligation.
• A Swimmer is allowed to terminate his/her swim at any time by either stopping, raising an arm, leaning on the lane rope or swimming to an exit point. The swim is recorded as Did Not Finish (DNF) only once the Swimmer has touched a safety boat or exited the water.

In order for a swimmer to qualify for a race, he/she must prove the following:

1. Recent (being within three months) – a medical document stating that a stress ECG, as well as a blood pressure test have been performed and that the Swimmer is fit to participate in the Event.
2. Qualifying Swim –
   1. Recent, being within 1 calendar year, verified (Event record) swim of a minimum of 450m which was performed in water temperatures of 5.0°C (41.0°F) according to IISA rules and in regulation swim attire; OR
   2. Recent, being within 1 calendar year, swim of at least 1km performed in water temperatures of 6.0°C (42.0°F) according to IISA
   3. Personal affidavit supporting the above swims.
3. Medical Insurance valid internationally covering an icy swim

 The Event Committee will assess each Swimmer’s records and will qualify them one at a time.

1. IISA recognises, supports and encourages participation of swimmers with disabilities.
2. Currently, IISA treats disability cases on a case-by-case basis, allowing the IISA to append categories, swimming aids etc. as needed, while considering swimmer safety as the main objective.

1. Swimming and swim racing in water with a temperature of 5°C is a very dangerous exercise. The body is exposed to serious physical and mental stress. The Swimmer must be familiar with the possible risks of cold water swimming.
2. Please note that IISA cannot verify every Swimmer’s claim of record of accomplishment, and can therefore only demand certain medical and previous experience accreditation as a best effort of regulation. Accreditation will have to be provided by either an accredited professional or by a signed affidavit by the Swimmer him/herself. Swimmers are expected to be 100% honest about their medical condition, history and experience. Lack of adherence to this could result in placing the swimmer’s life at risk and other.
3. The Event plan and management must provide for a checklist in terms of IISA requirements.
4. The Event Management must provide for every eventuality of risk to the swimmers, spectators, staff and anyone involved in the event.
5. Fatalities or emergencies are a real possibility in such an event and the management should make sure it has done everything possible to prepare and manage such situations efficiently. However, each Swimmer must assume responsibility for his/her decisions and/or actions (See Indemnity and Wavier Appendix)
6. If at any stage the Event Management perceives risk and believes it cannot attend to further eventualities, it is within the Event Safety officer and/or the Event Director’s discretion and duty to pause or terminate the event with immediate effect.
7. All swimmers must have their heart rate, blood pressure and resting ECG (EKG) taken at least 3h before the swim (testing of core body temperature is optional).
8. The Safety Officer has the right to disallow a Swimmer’s participation, or place him/her under medical supervision until the Safety Officer is satisfied that the Swimmer is fit for participation.
9. Each Swimmer must have his/her heart rate and blood pressure measured as soon as possible during the recovery process. The testing area can be in a different location to the Recovery Area. A Swimmer will be discharged from the Recovery Area to Medical Testing area for full and final recovery qualification.
10. The Minimum Age of a Swimmer for a IISA Event will be 18 years old as at the time of the Event;
11. Consumption of any alcohol at least 24 hours before any ice swim or race is prohibited
12. There is no maximum age limit to qualify for the Events; however, the Event Committee will treat applicants of the age of 65y+ with extra caution and at its discretion.

1. The Event must have sufficient recovery facilities.
2. The Recovery area must have a general recovery area whereby experienced staff can attend to recovering Swimmers.
3. The recovery area must have a designated Intensive Care Unit with a qualified doctor on site. A fully equipped Ambulance can be considered a designated ICU area.
4. Two fully equipped Ambulances must be on standby close to the Recovery Area.
5. The recovery facilities can have wet or dry recovery procedure.
6. The Recovery Area must be pre-warmed to at least 35°C.
7. Every Swimmer’s blood pressure must be taken, and core-body temperature tests are optional but recommended.

IISA Event will recognise the following records in each Event:

1. Fastest Male/Female overall – Places 1,2,3
2. World Record Male/Female
3. Country Record Male/Female
4. Age Group Male/Female – Places 1,2,3
   1. 18-24
   2. 25-29
   3. 30-34
   4. 35-39
   5. 40-44
   6. 45-49
   7. 50-54
   8. 55-59
   9. 60-64
   10. 65-69
   11. 70-74
   12. 75-79
   13. 80-84
   14. 85-89
   15. 90-94
   16. 95-99
   17. 100+
5. Disabled Swimmercategories as above.

1. Once the Event has run according to IISA Event rules, each Swimmer to have finished the Swim according to the Event’s rules will receive an Event and Record (if applicable) certificate.
2. The Event Management will provide the Event Certificate, which will incorporate the IISA logo on the top right hand side.
3. The Certificate format and design is at the discretion of the Event Management.
4. The Certificate must include at least the:
   1. Swimmer’s full name
   2. Swimmers age
   3. Category (as above)
   4. Time
   5. Water Temperature
   6. Air Temperature
   7. Distance Swum
   8. Location
   9. Date
   10. The wording “International Ice Swimming Association”
   11. IISA Logo
5. The Event Director will provide all accurate times and records of the Swimmers to IISA, where after IISA will log it in the IISA worldwide record book.
6. IISA will provide its affiliation and reasonable services at no fee for the first year of its new 1km Events. Commencing from 1-Jun-2014.

1. The rights of any sponsors, sponsorship and packages are at the discretion of the Event Management.
2. The branding of each Event is generally at discretion of the Event Management, however, IISA requires that approval be granted prior to the use of the:
3. IISA Logo in all marketing materials as the overseeing regulatory body
4. IISA logo on the Event Website Home Page
5. At Least two IISA banners or Feather banners at the Event by the Pool and at the Award ceremony
6. If the Event Management would like to use IISA logo in other marketing, branding, T-shirts etc. it will require IISA approval. 

1. IISA doesn’t recognize or record distances shorter than 1km, however, IISA will support and allow shorter distances swims events to take place during its events as long as they adhere to IISA swim Rules.
2. Participants may receive certificates, medals and prizes by the Event Management.
3. The awards may include IISA logo if it is part of the event logo.

Any affiliation (not Association) of the Event with other sports entities requires IISA approval

Relevant fees are at the discretion of the Event Manager. 

1)    An Ice Mile Event is an organised Ice Mile attempt, which allows several swimmers to attempt a mile swim. The Event is purposed to capitalise on the economy of scale of safety, medical, rescue and recovery facilities.

2)    An Ice Mile attempt must not be a race, and is instead a grouping of individual attempts.

3)    Ice Mile attempt is an extreme and dangerous undertaking. Swimmers must prepare, train and employ rigorous safety and risk management procedures.

4)    Each Ice Attempt will have a designated Attempt Director. The director will act as Safety Officer and will bear the overall responsibility to all procedures and safety measures in the Attempt.

5)    The Event Director must be an IISA Ice Member.

6)    The Event Director will provide IISA with all required attempt details as per Application for Ice Membership.

7)    The Director will qualify the swimmers attempting the swim.

a)    A minimum requirement by the swimmer is a signed affidavit declaring that he/she has successfully completed at least 600m unassisted and uninterrupted swim in water of 5C or less according to IISA rules; or

b)    A minimum of 1km in water temperatures at 6C or under.

c)     The Director has the sole discretion to allow or disallow a swimmer to participate in the Event even if they have completed the above.

8)    The Director must be a qualified IISA Member. The Director will also act as the IISA Observer in the Attempt. If the Director is one of the Swimmers, he/she must have a qualified second to observe the swim while he/she is swimming.

9)    All swimmers must adhere to IISA ICE SWIM rules

10)The Director, will prepare a site plan, medical recovery and safety plan.

11)An Attempt requires at least one qualified Medical Doctor on site with at least two qualified nurses to assist him.

12)The Doctor and two nurses will be committed and able to serve at four swimmers at one time. No other swimmers will be allowed to start their Attempt until the Doctor assures the Director that he/she has enough capacity to deal with more recovering swimmers or potential emergencies.

13)In the event of emergency, the Director will consult with the Doctor and will make an executive decision as to whether to stop the Attempt immediately or allow it to proceed. If the emergency takes the Doctor away from the location or takes 100% of his capacity for more than 5 minutes the Director will terminate the Event immediately.

14) The Director must have a contingency plan in place in case the Doctor is requested to deal with an emergency and has no further capacity to deal with other swimmers.

15)The Director will brief the swimmer as to the risks involved in the Attempt, including a medical brief by the Doctor.

16)Each Swimmer will have a dedicated recovery location / spot where he/she leaves warm clothing for post recovery. The Swimmer will be pointed to his/her exact recovery spot (bed, Chair, etc…)

17)When a swimmer exits the water, he/she will be ushered to their recovery location for recovery.

18)The Doctor will use the recovery location as the Attempt Medical centre.

19)The Recovery location must be pre heated with warm blankets and hot drinks.

20)Each Swimmer Attempting an Ice Mile must have a Second. The Second will accompany the Swimmer to the Recovery location prior to the swim, assist him/her with preparing for the swim and getting to the start.

21)The Second will oversee the Swimmer’s Attempt personally and has the right to notify the Swim Safety Officer that his/her Swimmer must be pulled out.

22)The Second must be at the Swimmer’s exit from the water and accompany the Swimmer to the Recovery location until he/she is declared as fully recovered by the Doctor.

23)The Doctor will supervise the overall Swimmers recovery and will be the only one to qualify each Swimmer as fully recovered. The Doctor will decide to admit a recovering Swimmer to the ambulance or other care if required or discharge him/her from the recovery location.

24)The Second will accompany the Swimmer for at least 20 minutes following discharge from the Recovery location by the Doctor.

25)Each Swimmer is performing an individual Attempt. The Attempt is not a race and it is at the Director’s discretion to terminate a Swimmer’s swim if he/she believes the Swimmer may be in danger. The Director will use his/her experience when assessing the Swimmer’s stroke rate, body language, behaviour in the water, frequent change of stroke, frequent stopping and any other signs that may indicate that the swimmer is in danger.

1. Swimming and swim racing in water temperature of 5°C is a very dangerous exercise. The body is exposed to serious physical and mental stress. The swimmer must be familiar with the possible risks of cold-water swimming in order to reach a stage of being able to swim 1km in such conditions.
2. IISA cannot verify every swimmer’s claim of record achievements. IISA can only demand certain medical & previous experience accreditation as best effort of regulating Swimmers’ qualifications. Some accreditation will have to be provided by either an accredited professional or by a signed affidavit by the Swimmer him/herself. Swimmers are expected to be 100% honest about their medical condition, history and experience. Lack of adherence to this could result in placing the swimmer’s life at risk.
3. The Event plan and management must provide for a checklist in terms of IISA requirements.
4. The Event management must provide for every risk eventuality to the swimmers, spectators, staff and anyone involved in the event.
5. Fatalities or emergencies are real possibilities in such events, and the management should make sure it has done everything possible to prepare for and manage such outcomes. Each Swimmer, however, must assume responsibility for his/her own decisions and actions (See Indemnity and Wavier Appendix)
6. If at any stage the Event Management perceives risk and believes it cannot attend to further eventualities, it is within the Event Safety officer and/or the Event Director’s discretion and duty to pause or terminate the event with immediate effect.
7. All swimmers must have their heart rate, blood pressure and resting ECG (EKG) taken at least 30 minutes before the swim (core body temperature testing is optional).
8. The Safety Officer has the right to disallow a Swimmer to swim or place him/her under medical supervision until the Safety Officer is satisfied that the swimmer is fit to participate.
9. Each swimmer must have his/her heart rate and blood pressure measured as soon as possible during the recovery process. The testing area can be in a different location to the Recovery Area. A Swimmer will be discharged from the Recovery Area to Medical Testing area for final medical full recovery qualification.
10. The Minimum Age for a Swimmer in an IISA Event will be 18 years old at the time of the Event.
11. IISA recommends that all swimmers refrain from the consumption of any alcohol at least 24hrs before any ice swim or race is undertaken.
12. There is no maximum age limit to qualify for the Events, however, the Event Committee will treat applicants over the age of 65 years old, with extra caution at its discretion.

1. The Event must have sufficient recovery facilities.
2. The Recovery area must have a general recovery area whereby experienced staff can attend to recovering swimmers
3. The recovery area must have a designated Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with a doctor on site. A fully equipped Ambulance can be considered a designated ICU area.
4. Two fully equipped Ambulances must be on standby close to the Recovery Area at all times.
5. The Recovery Area must have a vacancy in the ICU area at all times. There should always be a doctor available to deal with possible eventualities of the swim, and an available ambulance.
6. The recovery facilities can have wet or dry recovery procedure, but must be pre-warmed to at least 35°C.
7. Every Swimmer’s blood pressure must be taken, as well as their core body temperature, if so desired.

1. All the business activities and functions of the Association shall be conducted by the Board.
2. There will at all times be a minimum of 3 (three) and maximum of 11 (eleven) Managers in office, provided that, for as long as the Founder is willing and able to so act, he shall be appointed as a Manager and chairperson.
3. The Initial Members are hereby appointed the first Managers of the Association and they do, by their signatures to this document, accept such appointment.
4. Any vacancies within the Board shall be filled by the remaining Managers, with the proviso that if at any time the Board membership falls below the required minimum of 3 (three) the remaining Manager/s shall convene a Members’ meeting and the Members shall at such meeting appoint the additional Managers required to equal the minimum number required.
5. A Manager need not be a Member of the Association.

1. The Managers shall appoint one of their own to act as chairperson and shall meet for the dispatch of business, adjourn and, subject to any specific provisions herein contained, otherwise regulate their meetings as they think fit, provided that they shall meet at least once per annum.
2. A Manager may at any time summon a meeting of the Board by notice in writing to the remaining Managers. At least 10 (ten) days notice as to time, place, proposed agenda and resolutions shall be given of all meetings of the Board.
3. The quorum for meetings of the Board shall be at least 50% of the Managers then in office, provided that, subject to due and proper notice of the meeting (which will include the proposed agenda and any resolution to be proposed at the meeting) having been received by all the Managers then in office, if within half an hour (or such longer period as those present may agree) after the time appointed for the meeting a quorum is not present, the meeting will stand adjourned to the same day of the next week at the same time and place, and if at such adjourned meeting a quorum is not present within half an hour (or such longer period as those present may agree) after the time appointed for the meeting, the Managers present will constitute a quorum.
4. Written notice of any adjourned meeting indicating the date, time and place where such adjourned meeting will be held, shall be given to all Managers not less than 48 (forty-eight) hours before such adjourned meeting is to be held and posted on the IISA website.
5. Each Manager shall have 1 (one) vote in respect of all matters requiring a resolution of the Board. Resolutions of the Board shall be carried by a simple majority of votes of the Managers present and voting at a validly constituted meeting of the Board.
6. A resolution in writing signed by or on behalf of all the Managers shall be as valid and effectual as if it had been passed at a meeting of the Board duly called and constituted.
7. The Board shall keep minutes of their meetings in writing and all resolutions passed by the Board shall be duly minuted.
8. Notwithstanding any other provisions, meetings of the Board may consist of a conference between Managers, some or all of whom are in different places, provided that the requisite quorum of Managers participates in such conference and each of the Managers who participates is able to hear each other participating Manager and, if he so wishes, to address all of the other participating Managers simultaneously, whether directly, by conference telephone, video link or by any other form of communications equipment or by a combination of those methods.
9. In accordance with the law governing fiduciary responsibility, a Manager shall be obliged forthwith to declare any self-interest or conflict of interest that may arise with regard to matters coming before the meeting of the Board. In any such event, the Manager concerned, after declaring his/her interest, shall promptly recuse him/herself, and take no further part in the deliberations concerning that matter; and the Manager concerned shall subsequently refrain from participating in further discussions or decisions affecting the relevant matter; unless the continued presence and participation of the Manager concerned is unanimously requested and approved by all the other Managers. The Minutes of the Meeting shall record any such declaration of interest, recusal, and (if applicable) the continued presence and participation of the Manager concerned.

The Managers shall, in addition to such other powers as may be conferred upon them by the applicable law or elsewhere in this Constitution (whether express or implied), have the following powers, namely -

1. to receive, consider, approve or decline applications for membership of the Association;
2. to determine and publish rules of conduct for Members and Ice Swimming events;
3. to provide and amend disciplinary procedures for Members;
4. instead of acting personally, to employ, as far as may reasonably be necessary, and to pay any attorney, contractor or any other person to transact any business or do any act of whatsoever nature required to be done pursuant to the furtherance of the objectives of the Association;
5. to take and act upon any expert or professional advice;
6. to delegate to any person the performance of all or any acts or the exercise of all or any discretions to which they are entitled to perform or exercise under this Constitution;
7. to open and operate accounts of all descriptions with registered banks;
8. to accept cheques, bills of exchange or promissory notes for and on behalf of the Association;
9. to acquire property of any description on behalf of the Association;
10. to deal with the property of the Association and to sell such property;
11. to make investments on behalf of the Association;
12. to, unless specifically prohibited by any provision in this Constitution, exercise all rights and perform all actions necessary to fulfil the Association’s objectives;
13. to exercise such further rights, powers and authorities as may from time to time be conferred upon them by the Members and/or the resolution of the Board and/or as if they were acting as directors of an incorporated company;
14. to have full capacity to contract on behalf of the Association, subject always to such limitations, if any, as may be imposed by this Constitution, provided that they will under no circumstances be personally liable on any such contract; and
15. to have locus standi in judicio and be capable of bringing, defending, opposing, withdrawing, settling and/or otherwise acting in connection with any proceedings whatsoever in or before any court, or in any arbitration, or before any other forum, provided that all costs reasonably incurred by them in that regard shall be for the account of the Association.

The Board shall in the conducting of the affairs of the Association act in a business-like manner in accordance with the fiduciary obligations required of a director of an incorporated company, and shall ensure that –

1. a bank account is opened in the name of the Association, and that all business activities of the Association are conducted via the bank account;
2. proper records and books of account are kept of the business and affairs of the Association, and their administration thereof, which records and books shall be in the custody of the Secretary on behalf of the Board;
3. the records and books of account referred to above are at all times available for inspection by any Member or Manager; and
4. as soon as possible after the end of each year-end of the Association, compel financial statements and audit the books of account.

A Manager shall vacate his office upon the Manager -

1. having been sequestrated; or
2. having become incapacitated in terms of the applicable law to hold the office of a director of a company; or
3. having been removed from office at any time upon the Board giving 1 (one) calendar month’s notice in writing to such Manager, with the consent of the majority of the Managers from time to time; or
4. having been removed from office at any time upon the majority of the Members from time to time giving 1 (one) month's calendar notice in writing to such Manager, at all times subject to the consent of the Board; or
5. having resigned at any time on giving 1 (one) calendar month’s notice in writing to the Board, provided that the Board may, at the request of a Manager, waive the full period of notice.

1. The Managers shall not be liable for any loss sustained by the Association or by any Member from whatsoever cause arising, save and except where any loss is sustained as a result of the wilful dishonesty of the Manager, either collectively or individually.
2. No Manager shall be liable for any act of dishonesty or other misconduct committed by any other Manager unless he knowingly allowed it or was an accessory thereto.
3. The Association indemnifies the Managers and every attorney, agent or other person appointed by the Managers against all actions, proceedings, costs, liabilities, claims, expenses and demands in respect of any matter or act committed or omitted to be done in any way in the execution of their offices as Manager, otherwise than in respect of claims for which in terms of the Applicable Law the Managers cannot be indemnified.

1. The Managers shall not be entitled to any remuneration for their services save as provided for in this Constitution.
2. The Managers shall be reimbursed from the Association for all expenses incurred by them in and about the execution of their duties as Manager including, if for any reason they are at any time required to furnish security, the costs from time to time of furnishing security.
3. Nothing herein contained shall preclude the Board from remunerating any Manager for the performance of any function on behalf of the Association as a professional or person appointed by the Board to further the objectives of the Association.

1. All business activities of the Association shall be conducted via bank accounts opened in the name of the Association.
2. The Board shall ensure that all bank accounts opened in the name of the Association require at least 2 (two) signatories per account.

1. The Association shall keep proper accounting books and records, and maintain adequate financial systems, security, and controls.
2. Financial Statements (including Capital and Income accounts) shall be prepared at least once a year in accordance with generally accepted accounting practices in South Africa, and shall reflect the financial position and affairs of the Association.
3. Such books, records, and Financial Statements shall be submitted to and reported upon in the customary manner by independent auditors, as hereinafter provided.

1. The Association shall appoint an independent practising Chartered Accountant, or firm of independent practising Chartered Accountants as Auditors to the Association. The Board shall also determine the period and conditions of appointment of such Auditors; with power, if deemed necessary, to remove and substitute any such appointee/s as may be deemed appropriate from time to time.
2. The Auditor/s appointed as aforesaid shall have an unrestricted right of access to the systems, books, vouchers, and records of the Association, and shall be entitled to require from the Managers, officers, and employees of the Association, any information or explanation the Auditor/s may deem necessary for the proper performance of such audit.

1. The Association shall terminate upon the occurrence of any of the following events, namely -
   1. the Managers, by unanimous resolution, determine to wind-up the affairs of the Association;
   2. upon default of any of its obligations by the Association, and the Association remains in default for a period exceeding 30 days; or
   3. a court of competent jurisdiction orders the winding-up of the affairs of the Association.

The name of the Association may only be amended by unanimous resolution of all of the Managers in office from time to time.