Preventing Tragic Swimming Deaths in Triathlon

     Triathlon as a sport has and will continue to grow each and ever year. With that growth comes many challenges. One challenge that is of the up most importance is the safety of those participating in the sport. I am sad to say that we have had far to many deaths in the swim portion of triathlons this year.  In my eyes, any death, is too many deaths.  My heart is full of sympathy for those who have lost their loved ones and I send my condolences.
     In this blog post, I want to express my opinion on limiting these tragic events from happening.  You can not put the blame on athletes or race directors in these events.  Below are a few things that I think both athletes and RD's should take time to consider.

-Athletes-

-The first and number one thing for athletes is "Control the Controllables." 

That means...

-Training an adequate amount for the event your participating in "Not oh I am doing at Ironman in 2 months maybe I should join a Masters swim team now."  

-Knowing your limits "Not trying to be a superhero."  

-Warming up properly before race start. 

-Having routine check ups to limit the risk of sudden health issues. I understand that you can do all the above correctly but say you have a hidden heart condition that you never knew, problems can still arrise.

-Race Directors- 

Ideas...

-Having a "Swim Check" for those who have never competed in a triathon before. While working at the indoor pool lately I have had to check-off/sign-off that people are safe to either enter a race or join a club. For example this rowing club they need to swim a 200 then tread water for 10min, for a couple who were doing a swim around the Statue of Liberty had to swim a 1000 straight.  They were both simple sheets to fill out that put a peace of mind for the racer and the organizer of the event.

-Lining up swim waves based on ability levels. For example not putting the faster age groups (M18-24) in the last wave after say the (W50-54).  Also for larger races having a (First timer/less experience waves and Elite/highly experience waves)

-Requiring athletes to warm up before the start or at least get into the water prior to the gun going off.

-Many races already do this but important to have a pre-race practice swims at race site.

-Keeping swim course close to shore as possible

Of course even if all this happened, injuries or deaths can still happen, but hopefully implementing these would limit the possibilities. 

If you would like to read more about this subject click the Slowtwitch link Limiting Deaths in Triathlon.

Ironman Swim start.... Crazy!

God Bless,  Safe Swimming and enjoy the last of summer.

GTGTG