Volunteer as a kayaker
We are always looking for experienced kayakers to play a critical role in supporting our BIG SWIMMERS. If you are interested in helping in a BIG way please email Waterops@givetolive.ca.
Please register as a kayaker for the 2020 BIG SWIM by clicking the button below.
Registration for kayakers opens March 3, 2020 at 12:00pm AST
An additional new route for our 10th anniversary! Choose your day or do them both.
The BIG SWIM is set to celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2020. To commemorate this special year, we have a twist on our usual event: a two day, three-province crossing with an expected combined distance of 26km. Kayakers may register for either event or a combination of the two.
These events are:
An approximate 8km swim from Nova Scotia to New Brunswick on August 1.
Our start will begin in the Tidnish area ending in Port Elgin. Due to the sheltered area, it is likely that this will be a “fairly straight” swim. Start times will be set closer to the event weekend and will be based on weather conditions.
An approximate 16km-18km swim from New Brunswick to Prince Edward Island on August 2.
Our start will remain as years past, on the beach of Cape Jourimain Nature Centre and finish in Borden, Prince Edward Island. As we know from years past, the tides and currents take participants on a curved crossing which is why the distance varies from year to year. Start times will be set closer to the event weekend and will be based on weather conditions.
Please note that kayakers may be required on Friday, July 31 for safety details however our volunteer committee are continuing to iron out those details.
Important information to remember:
• Safety kayakers are key to the success of The BIG SWIM. You will provide your swimmer with food, hydration, emotional support, and safety support.
• Each swimmer is required to have a kayaker to escort them on their swim.
• If you don’t already know a swimmer, that’s OK. We will pair you with one. If you do, please ensure that you let us know who they are during registration
• Each kayaker must be able to meet our physical and equipment requirements. We have safety standards set to ensure that everyone is safe on the water and ask that you please respect those. We will be checking up on skills and equipment.
Skills a BIG SWIM kayaker should have:
• Must be comfortable sitting in a kayak for 4-8 hours.
• Kayaker’s are required to hold a Paddle Canada Skills Level 1. Courses are available through local outfitters. We are planning to hold a number of training sessions through Spring & Summer.
• You are required to join us for our Mandatory Safety briefing. Those who do not attend, do not kayak. .
• If you have any questions on kayaker requirements, please contact waterops@givetolive.ca
Your registration includes:
• BIG SWIM t-shirt,
• Safety support on event day,
• Training and support from former BIG SWIM Kayakers.
Mandatory Equipment list for Kayakers
14ft + Ocean compatible kayak with sealed hatches, secured deck lines and a cockpit skirt (*river kayaks, tandem kayaks and open cockpit kayaks do not qualify)

Two (2) Canadian approved PFDs. One to be worn by the kayaker and one secured to the kayak’s deck fitted for the swimmer.
One (1) safety whistle
One (1) Compass. Deck mounted versus hand held preferred
One (1) approved rescue throw line
One (1) bailer. Hand held or pump
One (1) Paddle float. Solid foam or inflatable
One (1) Spare paddle
One (10) Cockpit skirt
One (1) Smoke flair (Supplied on SWIM day)
One (1) VHF radio (Supplied on SWIM day if you don’t own one)
One (1) PocketFinder GPS unit (Supplied on SWIM day)