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.
