Triathalon swim deaths 2008 rising. What is going on?

I consider myself a competitive swimmer by upbringing and training. I swim daily, generally put in 2500-3000 yards or meters, and generally feel ready to comfortably swim a 1500 m free without too much trouble (in a race). Once a year I up the ante and do a 2 mile swim in Newport Beach, CA - open water. It is the only open water event I do (I am not a big fan of the ocean), but the water is 68-70 and we stay close to shore. This being said, I placed top 30 out of 300 participants this year - not what I was expecting as I am not an "open water" swimmer. My swimming fitness level carries me through a race like this relatively easy - but even with my good placement, I still feel completely drained and exhausted. Even as an experienced swimmer, I would not be so over confident as to think I could do a longer open water swim with no additional training/practice in the water.

This is terrible...... www.sfgate.com:80/.../article.cgi

This is terrible...... www.sfgate.com:80/.../article.cgi Tragic yes, terrible not so sure. The guy died doing what he loved. We should all be that lucky.

I`d rather die doing something unpleasent,..such as the moment I begin cleaning up the dog dirt from the lawn. I was thinking the line at the DMV.

I`d rather die doing something unpleasent,..such as the moment I begin cleaning up the dog dirt from the lawn.

While these kinds of stories are indeed sad, most adults go into athletics with a realization of the risks and benefits. I'd expect that the total of all positive experiences and health benefits from triathlon far outweigh the negative. We all just cross our fingers and hope that, when catastrophe strikes, it doesn't strike us.

While these kinds of stories are indeed sad, most adults go into athletics with a realization of the risks and benefits. I'd expect that the total of all positive experiences and health benefits from triathlon far outweigh the negative. We all just cross our fingers and hope that, when catastrophe strikes, it doesn't strike us. Well, for the most part, I guess. I don't think your health should be a matter of luck. Of course, stuff can happen. But as responsible adults, we should always make sure about a few things: 1) Do I get a yearly check-up with my doctor? Many things that can go wrong with our bodies don't show any signs until they actually manifest. 2) How do I feel the day or two before the event? Our bodies often do let us know if something is wrong. We feel tired or rundown or whatever. We need to listen to those. Often we need to be able to distinguish between nerves and real problems. Also, some ignore the signs and "Tough it out". Not always the right choice. 3) Do I know where there is assistance along the course? Alot people probably don't until it's too late. Let's leave as little as possible to luck and all finish the race! :cheerleader: Alive!! (if not a bit tired). JIM

Well, for the most part, I guess. I don't think your health should be a matter of luck. Of course, stuff can happen. But as responsible adults, we should always make sure about a few things: 1) Do I get a yearly check-up with my doctor? Many things that can go wrong with our bodies don't show any signs until they actually manifest. 2) How do I feel the day or two before the event? Our bodies often do let us know if something is wrong. We feel tired or rundown or whatever. We need to listen to those. Often we need to be able to distinguish between nerves and real problems. Also, some ignore the signs and "Tough it out". Not always the right choice. 3) Do I know where there is assistance along the course? Alot people probably don't until it's too late. Let's leave as little as possible to luck and all finish the race! :cheerleader: Alive!! (if not a bit tired). JIM Sorry, when I said "catastrophe strikes," I was taking about getting hit by a car while biking or something like that. I absolutely agree that we should take responsibility for our own health and be smart about things. I get regular checkups, eat right, exercise, get enough sleep, wear a helmet: all that good stuff and more. I know there's a tiny risk that I could get attacked by a shark while swimming in the ocean, or hit by a car while biking, or suffer a heart attack while running due to some undiagnosed heart condition. But I weigh all of that against the significant risk of poor health if I don't exercise.

Another triathlete death, unrelated to the swimming portion. Very sad story. Perhaps some of the triathletes here have heard of these amazing twins: www.signonsandiego.com/.../20080827-1427-bn27trideath.html

Sorry, when I said "catastrophe strikes," I was taking about getting hit by a car while biking or something like that. I absolutely agree that we should take responsibility for our own health and be smart about things. I get regular checkups, eat right, exercise, get enough sleep, wear a helmet: all that good stuff and more. I know there's a tiny risk that I could get attacked by a shark while swimming in the ocean, or hit by a car while biking, or suffer a heart attack while running due to some undiagnosed heart condition. But I weigh all of that against the significant risk of poor health if I don't exercise. I was pretty sure that's what you meant. But it never hurts to remind each other (and sometimes ourselves!) that safety should always be our first concern. Thanks! JIM