Of all the open water swims around the world, is there a race where there is a maximum allowable water temperature? If so (or if not), what is the scientific information or medical guidelines for a maximum allowable water temperature for open water swims (non-wetsuit)?
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Local officials said all safety measures were in place for the race, but the race's winner, Germany's Thomas Lurz, said that it was far too hot to hold the competition. "The water was amazingly hot," Lurz said in a statement. "There were many swimmers who had serious problems in the water." Maddy Crippen said that her brother had never been in better shape. "My brother prided himself on being a specimen of excellence," she said with a quiet laugh. "He was at the height of his physical fitness." Several swimmers complained of dehydration and disorientation after swimming in the warm water and three were taken to the hospital. The UAE Swimming Association said the water was 84 degrees at the start of the race, but many swimmers have come forward to insist it was more like 90 degrees. abcnews.go.com/.../story
In light of the Fran Crippen tragedy, I think this thread needs to be resurrected. If FINA doesn't act quickly with research on this subject I hope that USMS, USA Swimming and some of the Triathlon organizations will. Regarding the UAE swim association on the temperature. I know race promoters are under a lot of pressure to make sure an event happens. I have heard many rumors in the Triathlon community where race directors drop there thermometer in deep part of the lake or somewhere they know it's cooler so entrants can continue to ware there wetsuits. With strong growth of open water swimming and triathlon, this issues needs to be addressed now and firm guidelines put into place. It's so sad that it had to come to his.
Local officials said all safety measures were in place for the race, but the race's winner, Germany's Thomas Lurz, said that it was far too hot to hold the competition. "The water was amazingly hot," Lurz said in a statement. "There were many swimmers who had serious problems in the water." Maddy Crippen said that her brother had never been in better shape. "My brother prided himself on being a specimen of excellence," she said with a quiet laugh. "He was at the height of his physical fitness." Several swimmers complained of dehydration and disorientation after swimming in the warm water and three were taken to the hospital. The UAE Swimming Association said the water was 84 degrees at the start of the race, but many swimmers have come forward to insist it was more like 90 degrees. abcnews.go.com/.../story
In light of the Fran Crippen tragedy, I think this thread needs to be resurrected. If FINA doesn't act quickly with research on this subject I hope that USMS, USA Swimming and some of the Triathlon organizations will. Regarding the UAE swim association on the temperature. I know race promoters are under a lot of pressure to make sure an event happens. I have heard many rumors in the Triathlon community where race directors drop there thermometer in deep part of the lake or somewhere they know it's cooler so entrants can continue to ware there wetsuits. With strong growth of open water swimming and triathlon, this issues needs to be addressed now and firm guidelines put into place. It's so sad that it had to come to his.
