Gerry Rodrigues is a top swim coach, and here is something he sent me, and I encourage you all to voice your opinion. Gerry has highlighted how to do so. You can read below my email as well...
This past weekend several of our Tower 26 members raced the Alcatraz Triathlon. Additionally other pros and amateurs whom I either: coach, consult with, or attend our camps, also participated. They all did well, receiving a heartfelt congratulations. One reason for their performance is they were prepared.
Unfortunately, a participant passed away; yet another triathlon related swim death. The water temp was 51-52 according to race officials, however, credible unofficial sources stated it being 49.
It's finally time for me as coach, former open water athlete, and a recognized leader in open water to take a position. In my 31 years of coaching triathletes and 41 years of open water experience, this is my first stand, and it's an important one. If you are unaware of my background, you can find quick details in these links, and in by bio on our web site:
Background:
http://openwaterpedia.com/
Story on Tower 26 beach workouts: pg 16
http://digital.
I have authored the following piece on our blog, titled:
"The Open Water Grave".
http://tower26.com/t26-blog/
I'd like your support in contacting the National Governing Body to voice your concern, IF you agree with my position.
Let them know your name, your affiliation with Tower 26 if any, and your support with what I believe they need to instate. Here's whom to send your emails:
USAT CEO
Rob Urbach
rob.urbach@usatriathlon.org
President of the board of directors
Bob Wendling
bob.wendling@usatriathlon.org
Southwest region chair (regional chair in CA.)
Elizabeth Farnan
swregionchair@yahoo.com
Link to find the email for the chair of your Region:
http://www.usatriathlon.org/
My email to them:
Rob, Bob and Elizabeth,
I urge you as leaders of the governing body of triathlon to make swim temperature collars, both high and low, a priority. As the head coach of a High Performance Team, coaching many youth and juniors, I believe it is especially important we take action, and proactively prevent the possible death of not just more adults, but children as well.
The water temperature guidelines from the ITU below are not stringent enough, especially for our juniors, and clearly weren't followed in Alcatraz last week. I realize there are many contributing factors in a serious situation like an athlete dying in a race, but we must do all we can to eliminate the factors we can control.
I also urge USAT to put in place requirements and standards for race directors and coaches to better prepare the athletes for the conditions they might face on raceday.
Thank you for your time and consideration. If I can help in this cause, and be a part of the solution, please let me know.
Sincerely,
Jim Vance
This is your chance to help your sport and your fellow triathletes. Please voice your opinion.
Coach Vance
7 comments:
I use this Swim Safety Device whenever I open water swim:
http://robaquatics.com/2011/03/review-swim-safety-device-ssd.html
Doesn't matter how many people you are out there with. They're more likely to NOT be watching you if you get in trouble and even if they are, the odds of getting to you and pulling you out in time ain't great.
With this buoy, it doesn't seem to induce drag (and so what if it does? I could use the extra exercise). It doesn't give you any advantage and if you get in trouble, you can just pull it to you and hold on til you can get help.
I am racing IMCDA this year. Do you consider swim socks and neoprene cap a guard against hypothermia? The water temp last year was 55 degrees.
Cashonly, I think that is a solid training product. But if races are conducted in a manner or in conditions which put athletes in danger, then not sure a product will help. We need cooperation and active engagement with athletes about the proper preparation and the risks involved.
Paul, anything you can use to keep your head warm is helpful. I think neoprene or silicon cap. 55 degrees is too cold to race a long swim in IMHO, and the ITU agrees.
Having raced IM St. George in sub-50 degree water, I am torn on this issue. I had no temperature issues on race day, had a great swim, and am very proud when I tell the story of my icy race. However, many of my friends tell different stories of that day - and they have much darker memories.
I tolerate cold water well, and have a bit of experience with it. However, I did have the wind knocked out of me jumping into the water in Wisconsin a few years ago. It's terrifying. I could easily see this inducing panic to the point of drowning or heart problems - even in someone with years of open water experience.
I love the cold water. I love the mass start. I love what makes triathlon difficult. But my entertainment is not worth somebody's life.
American Football is going to be forced to change dramatically due to head trauma. Triathlon is going to have to change also. Traditionalists will complain - but they will also be left behind.
I agree that something needs to be done about safety but I don't think a straight up cutoff point is the answer. People can handle different temps and are prepared differently. Given how difficult it is to get into Alcatraz, I would be extremely pissed if I was not allowed to race on race day given the water temp. However, I think there should be a policy that allows people to opt out comfortably. Something like they get a free race entry the next year. This way the people that are ok with swimming at that temp can still swim and the participant that are uncomfortable have more of an incentive to opt out.
Jim,
Your passion for triathlon is obvious and your concern for the junior triathletes admirable.
Two years ago USAT and WTC approved a unique open water swim safety device for races called the Swim IT. Until you are satisfied with the safety of your athletes in training and triathlon races, I urge you to check out the Race Approved swim safety device, The Swim IT at www.myswimit.com
It is worn on the back of your leg during swims and offers no competitive advantage or disadvantage, but could save your life if needed.
IT has already been accredited with saving 3 triathletes lives in the last year during open water swims.
Jim,
Your passion for triathlon is obvious and your concern for the junior triathletes admirable.
Two years ago USAT and WTC approved a unique open water swim safety device for races called the Swim IT. Until you are satisfied with the safety of your athletes in training and triathlon races, I urge you to check out the Race Approved swim safety device, The Swim IT at www.myswimit.com
It is worn on the back of your leg during swims and offers no competitive advantage or disadvantage, but could save your life if needed.
IT has already been accredited with saving 3 triathletes lives in the last year during open water swims.
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