Four participants will complete each stage of the Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Swim, taking turns swimming 30-minute intervals near their furnished support boat.  All four swimmers may be in the water for the start and finish of each stage, and when something really cool is happening (like swimming near the Soo Locks).

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While you are swimming, your support boat will carry your three teammates and your own support team consisting of a U.S. Coast Guard licensed Captain, First Mate, EMS Clinician, and Jim "The Shark" Dreyer (Event Director & Rescue Swimmer). 

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You will have a kayak escort, so you may sight off both the kayak to your side and the support boat ahead when swimming.  You may exit the water via a ladder on the support boat (best in calm conditions)  or via a ladder on the dinghy in tow (best in rougher conditions).

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This is a historical experience, not a race, so other than tagging your teammate when relieving them in the water and staying visible to support personnel, rules are few and only related to safety.  You have your choice of swimming attire (including wetsuits) and may use gear, including propulsion devices (e.g. fins & paddles), and snorkels.