24 Mile Tampa Bay Marathon Swim on April 23, 2011

As for the swimmer that retired because of hyperthermia, I am again surprised that you don't know that the night before she was sick and didn't eat anything almost the entire day. She also started getting cold within the first 30 minutes to an hour and endured it for as long as she could. Before you use a swimmer's reason for abandoning as a gauge for the temperature of the water, I'd think it would be a good idea to speak to that swimmer first. IMHO followed by 'IMHO' or not, this would play better in a private message

followed by 'IMHO' or not, this would play better in a private message I purposely left it out of my earlier comments, but once it was brought forth by Ron as a relevant fact, it needed to be clarified for those who may be following the thread.

I was keenly aware of the conditions, and the temperature readings indicated 81F at Albert Whited which is at the far western edge of the Bay and in very shallow water. Over the flats, off of Weeden Island, I am sure it was at least a couple of degrees higher, but the swimmer also gets heated by the ample sunshine so I'm sure it felt like it was over 88F. Still, we were under the maximum allowable for both water and air temp. Not optimal by any means, but certainly within the legal range. In fact, while we had 3 swimmers retire due to sea sickness, the 4th one actually had to stop due to hypothermia and was shaking like a leaf when she boarded her support boat. The race is held at this time of year to avoid the hot water, but this year we went straight from winter to summer temps so it was unusually warm. We did have one other year over 80F, another was about 68F, but most years we are about 75F. By the way, due to recent restrictions (which I've pushed for, seemingly forever) the Ft. Myers race has been relocated to Ft. Lauderdale. Good move, but even with that change they're not going to be competing in optimal conditions.

last year, the water temps were low to mid 70's. if i recall correctly; there was even some chatter (a few weeks before the swim) that we might not even see 70 degrees for the swim. ron puts on a great event, but even he can't control these things. i know i would have to knock down my effort a few notches if the water was in the 80's, but... as these things are difficult to predict a few months out; it wouldn't keep me from entering. on the other hand: the 10k at ft meyers is extremely likely to have water temps in the mid 80's. i won't be.... will you?

last year, the water temps were low to mid 70's. if i recall correctly; there was even some chatter (a few weeks before the swim) that we might not even see 70 degrees for the swim. ron puts on a great event, but even he can't control these things. i know i would have to knock down my effort a few notches if the water was in the 80's, but... as these things are difficult to predict a few months out; it wouldn't keep me from entering. on the other hand: the 10k at ft meyers is extremely likely to have water temps in the mid 80's. i won't be.... will you? Ah! Mid 70's. Where were you when I needed you. And to think in the past I have complained about temperatures over 74. I have never said, nor have I suggested, that Ron was responsible for the warm water. However, I am a bit surprised that even after the race he was unaware of the conditions that the competitors faced that day.

last year, the water temps were low to mid 70's. if i recall correctly; there was even some chatter (a few weeks before the swim) that we might not even see 70 degrees for the swim. ron puts on a great event, but even he can't control these things. i know i would have to knock down my effort a few notches if the water was in the 80's, but... as these things are difficult to predict a few months out; it wouldn't keep me from entering. on the other hand: the 10k at ft meyers is extremely likely to have water temps in the mid 80's. i won't be.... will you? I actually WANT to enter the hot as hell Fort Myer 10k and soak up some sun, but if I've researched the right swim, then it looks like it's moved to Fort Lauderdale and the 10k is "invitation only" or "elite". My invitation must have gotten lost in the mail, along with my invite to Will and Kate's nuptuals.

I actually WANT to enter the hot as hell Fort Myer 10k and soak up some sun, but if I've researched the right swim, then it looks like it's moved to Fort Lauderdale and the 10k is "invitation only" or "elite". My invitation must have gotten lost in the mail, along with my invite to Will and Kate's nuptuals. Your invitation must have gotten chewed up by the mail sorting machine along with mine.

Interesting research, Bob. I think I see the power plant on the satellite map about 1400m south of the bridge on the west shore. From what I understand the ideal course passes just left of the hump on the bridge. So, a little less than halfway across the bridge (going East). That would put you ~2500m east of the power plant outlet. Sounds like you may have been quite a bit closer than that?

Just an update on something I discovered. Just south of the Gandy Bridge which I have been identifying as the hottest water, and where I believe the 2 swimmers abandoned the race, is (and you are going to love this) a power plant. It has been in operation for 50 years, and as far as I could tell, it is still operating. progress-energy.com/.../article.asp The power plant has a hot water discharge canal which channels hot water directly into the bay at that location. Because of the hot water pumped into the bay, that location is a well known winter fishing spot. floridasportfishing.com/.../power-plants.html noshoes.blogspot.com/.../fishing-warm-water-discharge.html Also because of the hot water discharge, it is designated a seasonal Manatee Preserve where no water activities can be conducted. The restrictions apply from mid-Novemember until the end of March. www.savethemanatee.org/news_feature_cockroach_bay.htm This is the area that I have explained to people that was so briny that the inside of my nostrils were burning. Ron, this seems like something you should have known about, and that should have been shared with the swimmers before the race.

Interesting research, Bob. I think I see the power plant on the satellite map about 1400m south of the bridge on the west shore. From what I understand the ideal course passes just left of the hump on the bridge. So, a little less than halfway across the bridge (going East). That would put you ~2500m east of the power plant outlet. Sounds like you may have been quite a bit closer than that? Unfortunately, my course was less than ideal. I know I crossed under the Gandy bridge not far from it's western end, and that we had cut the corner to the south pretty close. Based on a rough estimate from the satellite pictures, I was anywhere from 1,200 meters to 1,500 meters from the outlet at my closest. (Of course my recollection may be incorrect as to my position, but not as to hot it felt). I also don't know how the tidal current might have affected the flow of the hot water from the plant. Funny thing about this is that I found out this information by accident. I knew how hot it felt. As they say, I was there. So i didn't go looking for some kind of answer. Instead, the only reason I found the information was that in the process of creating a satellite route map for my blog today, I noticed the developed area in the middle of a wetlands. I zoomed in, and it showed that it was clearly a power plant. That's when I went hunting for the information on it. I suppose it could be just a coincidence, but not likely.