So, there is a guy swimmer in Tempe, dead from an accidental swimming death. The article calls him an underwater specialist.
I am assuming that's how he died?! I've been telling my friend in FL how dangerous excessive swimming underwater is. His coach has them (masters) doing a whole bunch of it.
I have known 2 people who've died from trying to go too far. One of them was a KID on my team back in the 60's who had a heart attack. And I know a well-known former Akron swim coach who passed out and the guards, who thought he was fooling around, didn't go in to get him right way.
Please, folks, be careful with what you are doing!
Swimming World article has been updated to state that James Rigg and a friend had gained unauthorized entry into the facility after it was closed.
Still sad.
There were a couple deaths in NYC this summer. I believe the fellows were doing a Marine breath-holding exercise of some type.
I totally agree this breath-holding can get out of hand.
www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/.../28274.asp
James Rigg, 22 years old, former ASU swimmer. The article does not specify how it happened, so it's pure speculation from any of us. Any number of possibilities, e.g. undiagnosed pre-existing heart conditions seem to be common problems in fatal situations.
That's so sad. My son had a friend who drown while taking a 2 a.m. dip in a random pond while drunk. Somehow we have to get the word out to folks that drinking and swimming, especially unsupervised, is a terrible combination.
I think unsupervised underwater swimming/breath holding is more dangerous than swimming drunk or general unsupervised swimming. Anyone can pass out while holding their breath, no matter how fit they are or how good of a swimmer.
Not that I think it's a good idea for people to swim drunk.
I don't remember the statistic, but in one lifeguarding class I took years ago the percentage of drownings that involve alcohol is alarmingly high. Swimming drunk is VERY dangerous.
I think unsupervised underwater swimming/breath holding is more dangerous than swimming drunk or general unsupervised swimming. Anyone can pass out while holding their breath, no matter how fit they are or how good of a swimmer.
Not that I think it's a good idea for people to swim drunk.
It's even sadder than that...Riggs grew up in Colorado swimming I believe at North JeffCo. He and a teammate (David Schmitt) ended up going to Wyoming where they roomed together.
If that name sounds familiar he was the UW team captain that on graduation day last spring was partying and ended up getting killed after breaking into the football stadium and taking a fall:
billingsgazette.com/.../article_e4dfa26c-7a93-11e0-8b6b-001cc4c002e0.html
That is freakishly horrible. I wish young adults would drink more responsibly. Drinking too much alcohol just breaks down inhibitions and causes poor decision making patterns in 20-somethings. I have 3 kids in their 20's and it scares me!
