Sad news: Fran Crippen, 26, passes away

RE: Sad news: Fran Crippen, 26, passes away

Patrick W. Brundage — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 03:41:20 GMT

Hahaha whaaaat? You gotta be kidding me. Talk about luck!As there were no direct flights from PHX to Fort Meyers and Southwest had relatively decent flight times & costs to FLL, I had booked flights there. I feel bad for the hosts.I agree. It works out OK for me, but sucks for them. Looks the Swimming Canada is also still holding their 10K trials in Fort Meyers. I guess the Canucks can handle the heat!:canada:

RE: Sad news: Fran Crippen, 26, passes away

gdanner — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 02:25:52 GMT

It appears that Ft Myers is retaining the USMS 10K National Championships as well as the Crippen Mile. They updated their event page: www.openwaterfestival.org/. I feel bad for the hosts.

RE: Sad news: Fran Crippen, 26, passes away

gdanner — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 02:18:13 GMT

This makes me very happy as my flights were already booked to fly into Fort Lauderdale, so I get to cut out the drive to Fort Myers. Hahaha whaaaat? You gotta be kidding me. Talk about luck!

RE: Sad news: Fran Crippen, 26, passes away

Patrick W. Brundage — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 01:14:40 GMT

What a change!!! From Florida...all the way to...Florida!!! :confused:This makes me very happy as my flights were already booked to fly into Fort Lauderdale, so I get to cut out the drive to Fort Myers.

RE: Sad news: Fran Crippen, 26, passes away

Jimbosback — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 10:03:04 GMT

What a change!!! From Florida...all the way to...Florida!!! :confused: Gulf vs. Atlantic is a big temp change. 87 is pretty high, even for Fort Myers Beach, but not unheard of.

RE: Sad news: Fran Crippen, 26, passes away

jaadams1 — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 09:30:24 GMT

2011 OPEN WATER NATIONALS MOVED TO FORT LAUDERDALE What a change!!! From Florida...all the way to...Florida!!! :confused:

RE: Sad news: Fran Crippen, 26, passes away

gdanner — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 08:40:20 GMT

2011 OPEN WATER NATIONALS MOVED TO FORT LAUDERDALE 4/22/2011 The 2011 USA Swimming Open Water National Championships have been relocated from Fort Myers, Fla., to Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The 10k race will be held June 10 and the 5k race will remain on June 12. The USA Swimming Board of Directors approved this change in venue. The change in venue is designed to provide the safest possible environment for the event, and is in keeping with recommendations made by the Open Water Commission, which included the recommendation that races exceeding 5K should not be held in water above 31 degrees Celsius (87.8 degrees Fahrenheit). Because the water temperature in Fort Myers could exceed that temperature, the decision was made to move the event now, rather than potentially having to cancel the race on or near the day. More details will be shared in the coming days.

RE: Sad news: Fran Crippen, 26, passes away

Karen Duggan — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 03:58:36 GMT

It's interesting that often times the "stars" are not watched. Everyone assumes (wrongly) that they are doing things right and are fine. Obviously this was a tragic oversight. On a less serious note (but no less irritating) I watched a "star" once bet his teammates that he could do a LC 50m *** doing all fly kick and not get DQd at Nationals. He won and did not get DQd. The officials just "assumed" that he would do it right. Afterwards he did try to get himself DQd because he felt bad for 2nd place, but the officials wouldn't overturn it (probably b/c they were embarrassed). Anyway, my point is that just because the "stars" are participating does not mean they should be excluded from rules and, more importantly, safety measures. :2cents:

RE: Sad news: Fran Crippen, 26, passes away

Patrick W. Brundage — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 08:53:53 GMT

USA SWIMMING RE-EVALUATING SITE FOR OPEN WATER NATIONALS Our last LSC HOD meeting was October 10th and they actually made a point at the time to mention how nice and warm the water is down there. So it's a little surprising that only now are they re-evaluating the site.Yes, and they've been running OW races there since at least 2006 (www.openwaterfestival.org/.

RE: Sad news: Fran Crippen, 26, passes away

gdanner — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 10:22:57 GMT

USA SWIMMING RE-EVALUATING SITE FOR OPEN WATER NATIONALS In accordance with the recommendations released by the Open Water Review Commission on Tuesday, USA Swimming is re-evaluating the site selection for the 2011 Open Water National Championships. Previously scheduled for Fort Myers in June, concerns have arisen regarding potentially warm water temperature in Fort Myers. USA Swimming asks all athletes and coaches planning to attend to delay making travel arrangements until the location is finalized. We thank you for your patience as we work to resolve this issue. As soon as we have further information, we will distribute it. Our last LSC HOD meeting was October 10th and they actually made a point at the time to mention how nice and warm the water is down there. So it's a little surprising that only now are they re-evaluating the site.

RE: Sad news: Fran Crippen, 26, passes away

ande — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 10:01:42 GMT

Made USA Today Panel calls for sweeping changes in open-water swimming

RE: Sad news: Fran Crippen, 26, passes away

Former Member — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 07:04:32 GMT

he drowned. as why he lost consciousness we can speculate.... what we can not speculate is: there was no one to prevent the death after losing conscious. :badday: Knowing how much money this events involve, how many people are there to serve the stars of the events-swimmers- it is horrifying the idea the performer of the show dies because no one was watching!:censor:

RE: Sad news: Fran Crippen, 26, passes away

Rob Copeland — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 09:55:02 GMT

FINA's report has been posted www.fina.org/.../index.php It appears to be frank and comprehensive.

RE: Sad news: Fran Crippen, 26, passes away

Chris Stevenson — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 07:50:50 GMT

More... http://usat.ly/fhTp76

RE: Sad news: Fran Crippen, 26, passes away

Former Member — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 07:20:21 GMT

A little update on sanctions: FINA does not sanction events, it only awards the name. All sanctions are issued by the national governing bodies where the event is to be held. Fran was swimming under a UAE swimming sanction, that is why no one in FINA was held accountable. FINA absolutely should be held accountable. From FINA's constitution: C 7.2 The constitution and rules of a Member must not be in conflict with those of FINA. Where there is a conflict, FINA Rules shall prevail. C 7.3 Each Member shall acknowledge in its national rules that FINA is the only recognised body in the world which governs Swimming, Open Water Swimming, Diving, Water Polo, Synchronised Swimming, and Masters internationally.

RE: Sad news: Fran Crippen, 26, passes away

Former Member — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 06:04:49 GMT

Well… while a young life was taken 6 moths ago under the supervision of FINA ´s board without anyone being held responsible… now, people just through words at each other and unsafe competitions are being approved by the same organization: FINA My selfish thought is: glad do not have children swimming under supervised FINA events and quit all open water and FINA´s events. :afraid: Hope the best for the ones who accept the opinion of such a organization.:bolt:

RE: Sad news: Fran Crippen, 26, passes away

Michael Heather — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 02:44:55 GMT

A little update on sanctions: FINA does not sanction events, it only awards the name. All sanctions are issued by the national governing bodies where the event is to be held. Fran was swimming under a UAE swimming sanction, that is why no one in FINA was held accountable. Because of the huge amount of oil money in the region, and FINA's attraction to lots of money, more swimming events are being held in the gulf region, where the swimming culture is relatively new and unsophisticated in its application. Money, greed and loose sanction requirements equals danger for competitors in the quest for world FINA standing.

RE: Sad news: Fran Crippen, 26, passes away

Redbird Alum — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 02:25:06 GMT

Rather than just express concern, or send additional suggestions, has USAS (or USMS) considered refusing to sanction or recognize FINA sanctions for OW events until such measures are put in place? Would it matter if USAS (and/or USMS) came out with such a formal position?

RE: Sad news: Fran Crippen, 26, passes away

cheakamus — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 01:29:12 GMT

FINA "responds": www.nytimes.com/.../AP-SWM-FINA-Crippen-Death.html

RE: Sad news: Fran Crippen, 26, passes away

Former Member — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 16:08:32 GMT

www.swimnews.com/.../8596 US Crippen Inquiry Urges Marathon Overhaul Craig Lord Apr 13, 2011 The USA Open Water Review Commission appointed by USA Swimming to investigate the death of Fran Crippen (USA) in a 10km FINA world cup marathon race off the coast of the United Arab Emirates on October 23 last year has issued a thinly veiled criticism of the international federation for failing to provide information about the most tragic race day in the organisation's history. On the day that the commission's recommendations, a blueprint for whole-scale reform of - and a better day in - open water are issued, the five-person inquiry team states: "Because FINA has declined to provide information as to the circumstances on the day of the race until after it has issued its report, the Commission has not been able to complete a review of the circumstances surrounding Fran Crippen’s death. Requests for information have been made of FINA by the investigators engaged by USA Swimming, by USA Swimming staff and by the Commission. To date, no information has been provided by FINA." FINA's Bureau is scheduled to consider the report of its own Task Force into Fran Crippen's death in July, a delay of four months caused by the report having been returned to the Task Force for removal of material that the FINA executive deemed to have exceeded its "scope and mission". In a statement, USA Swimming indicated that the Commission's work was not yet done: "The Commission will remain standing in anticipation of a report from FINA, the international governing body of swimming." The US commission was in little doubt that Fran Crippen died as a result of heat exhaustion. It also concludes that USA Swimming needs to take more seriously its responsibilities to open water athletes and recommends that USA Swimming hire a full-time person to manage open water administrative tasks. Recommendations at a glance, which included many of the things called for by athletes in their 11-point plan sent to FINA: all open water race organizers to have a safety plan in place which includes sufficient and specific monitoring of swimmers with specific parameters that must be met a feeding station every 2km safety precautions for pre-race warm-up and post-race warm-down. Ambient temperature rules, including: 1. If the water temperature is below 16 C (60.8 F), no race can be held. 2. For races of 5K and above, if the water is above 31 C (87.8 F), no race can be held. 3. If the air temperature and water temperature added together (in Celsius) are less than a total of 30, no race can be held. 4. If the air temperature and water temperature added together (in Celsius) are greater than 63, no race can be held. water testing for quality removal of any requirement for athletes to participate in any particular race of an open water series in order to receive final point standings or prize money in the series. use of tracking devices to track athletes in open water races and a process by which athletes would certify themselves “medically fit and adequately prepared” for the race USA Swimming hire a full-time person to manage open water administrative tasks. Led by IOC and WADA leading light Richard Pound, the chairman, the commission of Sid Cassidy, Harold Cliff, Dr. Scott Rodeo and Erica Rose, states: "The Commission has decided that the importance of improvements in safety protocols, procedures and precautions in a discipline such as open water swimming, with its particular risks, is such that proposals for the improvements must be considered whatever the circumstances of Fran Crippen’s death may have been. "It goes almost without saying that there must be immediate recognition when a swimmer is struggling or loses consciousness; there must be immediate rescue when loss of consciousness occurs; and there must be immediate resuscitation to address medical emergencies. "While it seems fairly clear that Fran Crippen lost consciousness as a result of heat exhaustion, there are many medical conditions which might lead to the same result. The difference between losing consciousness in a land-based event and an open water event is quite unique. The open water swimmer will sink and start to aspirate water instead of air and the progressive lack of oxygen will not cause the swimmer to “wake up.” Once this occurs, rescue must take place very quickly in order to avoid serious medical consequences, including death. "The recommendations which follow are circulated for consideration by USA Swimming and the open water community generally. They were adopted unanimously by the Open Water Review Commission". ..................................................

RE: Sad news: Fran Crippen, 26, passes away

Former Member — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 08:23:22 GMT

I have read this and do not think there is very much in this to protect any one. The water temperatures laid out are good. But In Lake Ontario the water temp can read good to go but one hour later the temperature can change up to 10 degrees. I went to the lake one day checked the temperature to see if I was going to train, it was 62 degrees. I talked a little while with friends and put my swimsuit on. When I got in the water I was shocked my feet went numb, I took the temperature again and it was 52 degrees. Also I still prefer a doctor on site to check swimmers before the race begins. www.swimnews.com/.../8596 US Crippen Inquiry Urges Marathon Overhaul Craig Lord Apr 13, 2011 The USA Open Water Review Commission appointed by USA Swimming to investigate the death of Fran Crippen (USA) in a 10km FINA world cup marathon race off the coast of the United Arab Emirates on October 23 last year has issued a thinly veiled criticism of the international federation for failing to provide information about the most tragic race day in the organisation's history. On the day that the commission's recommendations, a blueprint for whole-scale reform of - and a better day in - open water are issued, the five-person inquiry team states: "Because FINA has declined to provide information as to the circumstances on the day of the race until after it has issued its report, the Commission has not been able to complete a review of the circumstances surrounding Fran Crippen’s death. Requests for information have been made of FINA by the investigators engaged by USA Swimming, by USA Swimming staff and by the Commission. To date, no information has been provided by FINA." FINA's Bureau is scheduled to consider the report of its own Task Force into Fran Crippen's death in July, a delay of four months caused by the report having been returned to the Task Force for removal of material that the FINA executive deemed to have exceeded its "scope and mission". In a statement, USA Swimming indicated that the Commission's work was not yet done: "The Commission will remain standing in anticipation of a report from FINA, the international governing body of swimming." The US commission was in little doubt that Fran Crippen died as a result of heat exhaustion. It also concludes that USA Swimming needs to take more seriously its responsibilities to open water athletes and recommends that USA Swimming hire a full-time person to manage open water administrative tasks. Recommendations at a glance, which included many of the things called for by athletes in their 11-point plan sent to FINA: all open water race organizers to have a safety plan in place which includes sufficient and specific monitoring of swimmers with specific parameters that must be met a feeding station every 2km safety precautions for pre-race warm-up and post-race warm-down. Ambient temperature rules, including: 1. If the water temperature is below 16 C (60.8 F), no race can be held. 2. For races of 5K and above, if the water is above 31 C (87.8 F), no race can be held. 3. If the air temperature and water temperature added together (in Celsius) are less than a total of 30, no race can be held. 4. If the air temperature and water temperature added together (in Celsius) are greater than 63, no race can be held. water testing for quality removal of any requirement for athletes to participate in any particular race of an open water series in order to receive final point standings or prize money in the series. use of tracking devices to track athletes in open water races and a process by which athletes would certify themselves “medically fit and adequately prepared” for the race USA Swimming hire a full-time person to manage open water administrative tasks. Led by IOC and WADA leading light Richard Pound, the chairman, the commission of Sid Cassidy, Harold Cliff, Dr. Scott Rodeo and Erica Rose, states: "The Commission has decided that the importance of improvements in safety protocols, procedures and precautions in a discipline such as open water swimming, with its particular risks, is such that proposals for the improvements must be considered whatever the circumstances of Fran Crippen’s death may have been. "It goes almost without saying that there must be immediate recognition when a swimmer is struggling or loses consciousness; there must be immediate rescue when loss of consciousness occurs; and there must be immediate resuscitation to address medical emergencies. "While it seems fairly clear that Fran Crippen lost consciousness as a result of heat exhaustion, there are many medical conditions which might lead to the same result. The difference between losing consciousness in a land-based event and an open water event is quite unique. The open water swimmer will sink and start to aspirate water instead of air and the progressive lack of oxygen will not cause the swimmer to “wake up.” Once this occurs, rescue must take place very quickly in order to avoid serious medical consequences, including death. "The recommendations which follow are circulated for consideration by USA Swimming and the open water community generally. They were adopted unanimously by the Open Water Review Commission". ..................................................

RE: Sad news: Fran Crippen, 26, passes away

Former Member — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 16:20:55 GMT

I think it must be remembered that when people are doing these OW swims, that they are all pushing themselves to their own personal limits. That limit for elite athletes such as Fran Crippen will be at a much faster pace than your typical weekend warrior, but nevertheless everyone will be pushing hard. And I think this has been mentioned before but, you push yourself over the limit in a run, you will collapse in full view of the spectators and the rest of the field, collapse out in the ocean or a lake and sadly, you are much less visible. This is what makes OW inherently more dangerous and is where the safety measures need to be addressed. Just my :2cents:

RE: Sad news: Fran Crippen, 26, passes away

smontanaro — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 10:14:21 GMT

I think some of this could relate to the fact that now, as compared with years ago, there or more and more people attempting open water events than really should be. Five years ago the triathletes I saw at practice training for IronMan races were excellent swimmers, most faster than me. There are two or three people aiming at this year's IronMan Louisville where I am currently swimming. Though no doubt in excellent shape from all the other training they do, they are much less proficient swimmers. I have a hard time seeing how they will complete a 2.4 mile open water swim. The swim will be in the Ohio river. It looks like the first 1/3 of the course will be against whatever current the river has at that point. The water temp will likely be above the 78 degree max for use of a wetsuit, so they won't have the buoyancy advantage it provides either. S

RE: Sad news: Fran Crippen, 26, passes away

Former Member — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 07:24:47 GMT

It was an avoidable death in a FINA sanctioned event. Time for the cover up.

RE: Sad news: Fran Crippen, 26, passes away

smontanaro — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 01:33:26 GMT

As the popularity of open water swimming and long triathlons increases, more inexperienced people will enter these sports (just as in marathons). Sure, they push themselves to their limits much as elite swimmers do. I doubt they know those limits as well as more experienced swimmers, so it's probably easier to exceed them without realizing it. I think the rate of problems is going to increase along with, or faster than, the rate at which these sports grow.