Simply too HOT – Time to put Open Water Swimmers First

Yesterday’s announcement by FINA officials that regulates a maximum water temperature of 31 c (87.8 f) for open water competitions came too long after the death of American Open Water Swimming star Fran Crippen.  But that’s not the issue now – 31 celsius is ludicrously warm for hard swimming – let alone hard swimming for 10,000 meters.  I am not an elite swimmer, but I do still swim, compete and coach masters swimmers; exertion in warm water is not only unpleasant – it is dangerous.

For a competent competitive swimmer 31 degrees is hot – it doesn’t take numerous controlled studies to figure this out – get in a warm pool (say above the threshold established for pool events 28 celsius/82.4) and swim 400 meters at maximum effort and you’ll understand. Fran Crippen is dead because of poor oversight and regulation by officials – our sport lost an amazing athlete and the world lost an even greater person. We must regulate events with the swimmers in mind. It is not in the best interest of the swimmers to compete in water temperatures that are too warm.

Why is FINA doing this? Is it to accommodate federations where water temperatures are above realistic thresholds? If this is the reason it’s absurd and NOT athlete focused. Yes, some federations will not be able to host world class events, but this should not be a reason to defy rational limits on water temperatures.

For pool events FINA seems to bend over backwards to ensure the conditions are idea for the swimmers.  Water temperatures are in the 79/80 f degree range, the ambient air temperature at deck level is in accordance with what I’ll call ‘Goldilocks’ standards – not to cold and not too hot (there are precise standards).

Remember too in most cases warm/hot water is accompanied by warm/hot air – making it even more detrimental to the athletes well being.

Consider another point, competitive swimmers are trained and reinforced to compete. The argument that the athletes should modulate their intensity to conform with the conditions is absurd. From an early age swimmers are conditioned to the sound of the starting gun or electronic beep (or visual cues for the hearing impaired) and the best convert these signals into amazing, intense performances.

It it time of the community of officials, coaches, supporters of our sport to stand up and do what is right for the swimmers.  Set the maximum water temperature for sanctioned races at the same standard as the pool (which is still warm).  It shouldn’t take more studies, protracted meetings or other drawn out procedural measures to get this done.

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10 years ago

Ayman Saad was the race director in Dubai when Fran Crippen tragically passed away. Now he was appointed by FINA to sit on its most influential open water swimming committee.

Imagine the opposite…

Imagine a swimmer from Country X came to America and participated in a FINA race on American shores. Then imagine that athlete became the first and only fatality in a FINA event. Imagine the race director from that event on American shores then being appointed to FINA’s highest and most prestigious open water swimming committee. Would there be an outcry?

Now imagine the present…

Countries where open water swimming is really exploding – Ireland, South Africa, Japan, and Mexico – remain unrepresented on FINA’s highest… Read more »

10 years ago

My biggest disappointment was that no national federation opposed the rule change to 31 degrees celcius at the FINA OWS Congress.

Reply to  Shelley Taylor-Smith
10 years ago

This decision was initially brought upon by the unforgettable death of Fran Crippen. FINA was pressured to do something to prevent another tragedy caused by hyperthermia. Its response was to conduct research in a country known for cold water swimming (New Zealand) by researchers who will not publicly divulge their findings. Why? Only FINA knows why this research is being kept under lock-and-key. FINA obtained the support and endorsement of the IOC and International Triathlon Union (ITU) and its research determined that competitive marathon swims in water up to 31°C (87.8ºF) is safe. This determination and finding flies in the face of all logic. There is not an experienced athlete in the world who believes racing marathon swims in water… Read more »

10 years ago

Right On, Mike!

John Dussliere
10 years ago

Lemmings or Leaders? What will we decide to be in the United States of America?

We are supposed to be different, better. Where will we go on this one?

I can personally attest that trying to be a leader on this has been a pretty lonely seat to be in for the last couple years. The only support you really get during a journey like this is very private, one on one encouragement, never in writing, by many of the “leaders” that refuse do what’s right publicly.

My promise to Fran and those close to him stands as strong as it did on that horrible morning whan so many of our worlds changed.

See you at the convention……..

Richard Shoulberg
Reply to  John Dussliere
10 years ago

In my opinion USA Swimming and FINA chose NOT TO PROTECT THE FUTURE OF OPEN WATER SWIMMING. I am very disappointed with FINA but not surprised but…USA Swimming has the responsibility to be the leader in Open Water Swimming and chose not to lead due to political advancements. Remember early 2011 FINA announced that late 2011 or 1st quarter 2012 they would publish the findings of two independent studies – one in Canada and one in New Zealand. At the November BOD meeting of USA swimming Dale Neuburger explained to us that FINA never commissioned either study. Then they did the NZ one later – I would think that something of this magnitude we would want more than one opinion.

Nadador
10 years ago

Couldn’t agree more!

About Mike Lewis

Mike Lewis

Mike Lewis is a freelance commercial, sport and lifestyle photographer based in San Diego.  Mike began making photos in the early 80’s and immersed himself in all aspects of the photographic arts.  Mike’s professional career in in photography began after 12 years working within the United States Olympic movement; he …

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