Swimming death

RE: Swimming death

Former Member — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 13:01:37 GMT

James was a really great kid and it saddens me when someone so young leaves us this way. :cry: There's an updated story by Phoenix New Times that tells more about what happened. blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/.../former_asu_swimmer_james_rigg.php Don't bother reading the comments - it seems that blog is sorely lacking a moderator. The article doesn't say much either. Coupla years ago a young man training for BUDS was doing breath holding exercises on the steps into a pool, he blacked out and IIRC dies after a week in coma. NEVER do hypoxic training without a trusted swim buddy. It's really not worth it.

RE: Swimming death

Bobinator — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 03:41:48 GMT

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!

RE: Swimming death

Paul Smith — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 02:59:48 GMT

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

RE: Swimming death

Former Member — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 10:06:03 GMT

RE: Swimming death

gobears — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 06:07:59 GMT

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.

RE: Swimming death

Bobinator — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 02:55:58 GMT

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.

RE: Swimming death

debaru — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 01:49:34 GMT

RE: Swimming death

gdanner — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 08:55:45 GMT

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.

RE: Swimming death

Bobinator — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 08:25:03 GMT

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.

RE: Swimming death

Former Member — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 08:09:53 GMT

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.

RE: Swimming death

norascats — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 02:16:59 GMT

Sad. I'm sure more will be revealed about the biologic cause of death. It's a tragic waste of a young life.