Timing devices in long distance races

This has come up under the open water section of the forums but never got an official clarification. Does section 102.15.9 from the DQ section of the usms rule book apply to long distance swims? 102.15.9—Swimmers are not permitted to wear or use any device or substance to help their speed, pace, or buoyancy during a race. Goggles may be worn and rubdown oil applied if not considered excessive by the referee. If it does apply, does this include watches? Verbal instruction? Shouldn't we then also forbid the swimmer receiving pace information from the crew in an escorted swim? There apparently was a sanctioned open water race earlier this year telling swimmers to remove their watches. Seems pretty silly to me and not what the rule was meant to discourage.