The dangers of open water swimming in triathlons and how to minimise the risks
Open water swimming is the most dangerous of the triathlon disciplines. Dr Michael Tse offers advice to reduce the risks
The arrival of summer generally marks the start of the triathlon, aquathon and open water swim racing events. Many of those new to these events have spent the winter in the comfort of a swimming pool, and have not had much open water practice.
Others undertake practically no swimming training before joining these events. Because of this lack of preparation, swimming in open water brings about a high level of anxiety in inexperienced athletes.
A 2010 study in The Journal of American Medical Association about sudden deaths during triathlons, found that there were 14 deaths in 2,971 USA Triathlon-sanctioned events held between 2006 and 2008. The events had nearly one million competitors. Thirteen deaths occurred while swimming, and one occurred while cycling.
Rhythm is key to getting relaxed and moving well in open water
So swimming seems to be the riskiest of the triathlon disciplines, although if one takes into account the number of people participating in triathlon events worldwide, deaths are relatively rare. Nonetheless, any avoidable risk should be addressed. Triathlon associations worldwide have recently been taking measures to minimise these risks.
Last year, the World Triathlon Corporation, which owns the Ironman-branded races, began incorporating a wave start (starting in smaller groups) instead of the usual mass start.
Ironman also began creating swim warm-up areas for athletes to acclimatise to temperature, test equipment such as goggles, and raise their heart rates so that they are more race-ready when the gun goes off.
In the open water, the psychological comfort of knowing you can reach out for a wall or lane rope vanishes.