Sorry if this is kind of gross, but what about bathroom during OW events?

To begin with…IMO you don’t need to apologize for broaching the subject. It’s something pretty much all long-distance athletes deal with. I can’t say that in all my years of open water swimming that I personally have not encountered this problem (I did a few times while running Marathons). Yet I can sympathize with you. That would be really distracting…especially if you have ‘miles’ remaining in the swim. I’m a person who generally goes 1x per day, in the morning. And, whether it’s ‘real’ or not…coffee “gets me going.” So, on days when I have athletic events, I purposely get out of bed at least a couple of hours before the start of the event, and get my morning going with coffee and everything else…including a relaxing read of the news. Usually it works, and I’m well voided, and comfortable throughout whatever multi-hours event I’m participating in. 

Dan

Thank you, I'll try getting up a little earlier to void before going to the events this year. 

Well, I have had this situation in the Tampa Bay Swim. My coach instructed me and it worked just fine for me and my fellow swimmers.  Let the boat get a littl ahead of you, pull your suit aside, do your thing, and take off. Poop floats! so watch out. It's good if there's a little current and you are facing into it. Happy swimming!

Well, I have had this situation in the Tampa Bay Swim. My coach instructed me and it worked just fine for me and my fellow swimmers.  Let the boat get a littl ahead of you, pull your suit aside, do your thing, and take off. Poop floats! so watch out. It's good if there's a little current and you are facing into it. Happy swimming!

I have considered this, but I don't think this is reasonable in lake swims. Thank you though.