Triathlon Risk Management: Part I --- Swimming

Triathlon race directors must necessarily put a tremendous amount of effort in risk management in planning a triathlon. By the same token, each triathlete should have his or her own risk management plan with every training ride, swim or run and every race. After all, it is the athlete that has to endure the outcome of any injury or accident, which will certainly impact his or her ability to continue training and racing. This is part 1 of a series of blogs on triathlon risk management. The following are some guidelines for triathletes who wish to manage their risk in training and competing in the swim portion of the event.

Swimming • While swimming in pool or ocean, always wear a bright swim cap. This will allow you to be easily seen by your swim buddy, the lifeguard, boats, surfers, and others. • During a race, always wear the swim cap assigned to you, get body marked appropriately and wear your computer timing chip. That way, the race personnel can account for you. • The buddy system is not just for kids. If swimming in the ocean or lake, make sure that you have a buddy with you. If swimming in a pool, avoid doing so alone. • Do not ear a wetsuit in water temperatures that are above 78 degrees. Overheating in wetsuits is dangerous to your health. • Do not dive into shallow water. You will break your neck! It is also a good idea to avoid doing butterfly at the end of an open water swim if you are not sure of the bottom of the lake or ocean in that area. • Do not hold your breath for extended periods of time. • Make sure that the water is clean enough to swim in so that you avoid water borne illnesses and parasites. • Do not use glass containers near a swimming pool, lake or ocean. Broken glass means cut feet. • Pay attention to life guard warnings regarding currents, rip tides, jelly fish, sharks or other hazards. Don’t go in the water if it isn’t safe. • Do not turn your back to the ocean. No one wants to be pummeled by a wave. • Stay hydrated. Even though you are in water, you are sweating and need fluids. I’m sure that you can think of other safety tips for ocean, lake and pool swimming. The above is a good start for each triathletes’ own risk management plan.