Just wanted to warn anyone swimming in CIOW's open water swim (or any open water swim) to be careful of overheating in a full wetsuit in water that is too warm. A 58 year old masters swimmer in excellent shape died July 2010 while competing in Crystal Lake's open water race because of hyperthermia. Wearing a full wetsuit and cap in 76 degree water, he became overheated, disoriented and died. It was his first open water swim and he was unaware of the danger of heatstroke in the water. In fact, most open water swimmers are more worried about hypothermia than hyperthermia but it is a real possibility and one that should be taken seriously.
Just wanted to warn anyone swimming in CIOW's open water swim (or any open water swim) to be careful of overheating in a full wetsuit in water that is too warm. A 58 year old masters swimmer in excellent shape died July 2010 while competing in Crystal Lake's open water race because of hyperthermia. Wearing a full wetsuit and cap in 76 degree water, he became overheated, disoriented and died. It was his first open water swim and he was unaware of the danger of heatstroke in the water. In fact, most open water swimmers are more worried about hypothermia than hyperthermia but it is a real possibility and one that should be taken seriously.
I am sorry to hear of this. Crystal Lake is a nice swim that allows relative newbies to OW a chance to swim a mile.
The CIOWS swim this coming Saturday will probably be too warm for a wetsuit (i.e., swimmers will not be allowed to wear one).
Congratulations to the meet directors for giving the state of Illinois its second USMS-sanctioned OW swim!
Congratulations to the swimmers for embracing the swim, and putting up some fast times!
Congratulations and many thanks to the large cast of volunteers, safety officials, spotters, chefs, sponsors, parks, ILMSA, and everyone else who helped bring this inaugural meet to fruition!
:applaud:
Did you find Monongy, the Lake Michigan Sharkie, the Chicago River alligator, or any other exotic species with personal names?
Central IL Open Water Swim (CIOWS) - August 7, 2010, at 10:00 A.M. CT
Many thanks to CIOWS organizers, officials, safety resources, swimmers, triathletes, sponsors, and especially the many unselfish volunteers who gave their talents and time to the success of the inaugural CIOWS!
Results: www.ItsRaceTime.com. See www.CIOWS.org.
Weather: Sunny, no clouds, 72F, slight cool breeze, winds from the South at 6 MPH. Pleasant.
Water Temperature: Evergreen Lake is 83F (official), at 10:00 A.M. CT.
Wetsuits: Wetsuits were not allowed in accordance with USMS Rule, which does not allow wetsuits when the water temperature is greater than 78F.
Pics: Stay tuned for some pics being added at: www.CIOWS.org.
John Traynor
CIOWS, Event Director
Colleen Klein
CIOWS, Event Co-Director
