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Drowning Prevention for Water Race Events, Including Triathlons

By Tom Leaird, SEI Instructor Trainer

I served as Water Safety Chairman for over twenty years at the annual Muncie, Indiana Endurathon. In addition, I have served in a similar capacity for several other races of that type where swimming in open water precedes the bike and run portions of a triathlon. I watched from the sidelines, as the Hawaii Iron Man race began – afraid that one of those hundreds of athletes would be lost without being noticed. Throughout all those years, with thousands of athletes, we have been extremely fortunate to not lose a swimmer where I have been involved. The greatest relief at every one of those races has been the announcement: “All the bikes are out of the transition area.” Now I can relax!

This article offers insights and recommendations to anyone responsible for or participating in water safety at water race events. To read the complete article click here.