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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Former Member
Runners are pulled from marathons for medical reasons. Period they do not have a choice. They have medi stations. The duration not just the distance need to be addressed. Regardless of water temp. Blood pressure, pulse, and body core temps should be checked. If an athlete is in trouble, they may have lost the ability to make a sound judgement. Fran was dedicated. But he had his whole life in front of him. If he were aware of his serious condition, I believe he would have chosen to get help. This also begs the serious question of education for the athletes, event sponsors, and Fina. We are still in new territory with so many swimmers competing unattended. This is a tragedy that should never happen again! One other point. Every athlete is different in their tolerance of water temps. That is why THEY NEED TO BE monitered. We can all feel better thinking that Fran would have wanted to go this way. I disagree. He would have wanted to live.
Runners are pulled from marathons for medical reasons. Period they do not have a choice. They have medi stations. The duration not just the distance need to be addressed. Regardless of water temp. Blood pressure, pulse, and body core temps should be checked. If an athlete is in trouble, they may have lost the ability to make a sound judgement. Fran was dedicated. But he had his whole life in front of him. If he were aware of his serious condition, I believe he would have chosen to get help. This also begs the serious question of education for the athletes, event sponsors, and Fina. We are still in new territory with so many swimmers competing unattended. This is a tragedy that should never happen again! One other point. Every athlete is different in their tolerance of water temps. That is why THEY NEED TO BE monitered. We can all feel better thinking that Fran would have wanted to go this way. I disagree. He would have wanted to live.
