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)?
Parents
Former Member
I have participated in many activities over the years. All of them had different levels of risk. Athletes are entitled to a reasonably safe safe environment to compete, but what is reasonably safe in one environment (a pool) is significantly different from another environment (Pipeline surf competition - ok so I never did that one). When I climb in the mountains I assessed risk and made my decisions accordingly. When I would go out in the wilderness alone in a national park I assessed the conditions and made a decision to go. I didn't want the national park telling me I couldn't. But I did my homework, assessed the risk and decided if I could manage the risk. I could not eliminate all of it but I could reduce risk.
In a race where you are relying on organizers to provide a certain level of safety, they should be held to their responsibility. So the question is what level is that. If you are racing in open water in the ocean you have to expect the possibility of jellyfish & sharks. There is nothing the organizers can do about that. But if the organizers announce that they have people stationed around the course and if you have problems just raise your hand and someone will come to your assistance, and then don't, well they failed in their duty. The swimmer relied on their presence when assessing risk, and justifiably so. If someone goes under and the organizers don't see them, then the presumption is they have failed to put in place the level of protection that they agreed to assume, and which the swimmers relied on. That's negligence plain and simple.
I have participated in many activities over the years. All of them had different levels of risk. Athletes are entitled to a reasonably safe safe environment to compete, but what is reasonably safe in one environment (a pool) is significantly different from another environment (Pipeline surf competition - ok so I never did that one). When I climb in the mountains I assessed risk and made my decisions accordingly. When I would go out in the wilderness alone in a national park I assessed the conditions and made a decision to go. I didn't want the national park telling me I couldn't. But I did my homework, assessed the risk and decided if I could manage the risk. I could not eliminate all of it but I could reduce risk.
In a race where you are relying on organizers to provide a certain level of safety, they should be held to their responsibility. So the question is what level is that. If you are racing in open water in the ocean you have to expect the possibility of jellyfish & sharks. There is nothing the organizers can do about that. But if the organizers announce that they have people stationed around the course and if you have problems just raise your hand and someone will come to your assistance, and then don't, well they failed in their duty. The swimmer relied on their presence when assessing risk, and justifiably so. If someone goes under and the organizers don't see them, then the presumption is they have failed to put in place the level of protection that they agreed to assume, and which the swimmers relied on. That's negligence plain and simple.
