Triathalon swim deaths 2008 rising. What is going on?

Ken, Saw that too.. I wonder what USMS' Open Water Participant Mortality Rate is... The article referenced clearly points to an issue with people swimming that shouldn't be swimming. ... perhaps USAT could take a page from Lin-Mark's Bay Swim book and for events of Olympic distance or greater (assuming that is where the majority of deaths occur) require proof of completion of a swim-only event of 1 mile or greater. Perhaps this is where USMS can lend a hand. This strikes me as potentially a worthy public service effort from USMS. The affililation or advice-giving would have to be for guidance purposes only (to avoid liability). As a side benefit, it would probably do much more to raise public awareness of USMS than trawling for graduating seniors at meets. Imagine the next article on tri deaths during swimming ALSO mentioning that "US Masters Swimming encourages proof of completion of a swim under conditions approximating those of the planned event, and in some states has worked with triathlon directors to establish programs for demonstrating proficiency." How does this idea get passed on to board of directors? Should it be implemented by state LMSCs before it is implemented at a national level? One of the local swim schools has undertaken tri-specific swim classes. They are swamped. The need is there.

Ken, Saw that too.. I wonder what USMS' Open Water Participant Mortality Rate is... The article referenced clearly points to an issue with people swimming that shouldn't be swimming. ... perhaps USAT could take a page from Lin-Mark's Bay Swim book and for events of Olympic distance or greater (assuming that is where the majority of deaths occur) require proof of completion of a swim-only event of 1 mile or greater. Perhaps this is where USMS can lend a hand. This strikes me as potentially a worthy public service effort from USMS. The affililation or advice-giving would have to be for guidance purposes only (to avoid liability). As a side benefit, it would probably do much more to raise public awareness of USMS than trawling for graduating seniors at meets. Imagine the next article on tri deaths during swimming ALSO mentioning that "US Masters Swimming encourages proof of completion of a swim under conditions approximating those of the planned event, and in some states has worked with triathlon directors to establish programs for demonstrating proficiency." How does this idea get passed on to board of directors? Should it be implemented by state LMSCs before it is implemented at a national level? One of the local swim schools has undertaken tri-specific swim classes. They are swamped. The need is there.