Quote:
Originally Posted by CoachBillL
See a report by a participant in the race; there seems no doubt that the support structure was inadequate.( http://www.philly.com/philly/news/ho...swim_meet.html.) In my limited experience, anyone who goes face up or raises a hand should have help within 2 minutes or less. |
It sounds like the safety precautions at this event were abysmal.
I'm still mystified, though, about the point of view that racing shouldn't take place in warm water.
I live in a hot climate. Our summers are pretty similar to the weather in Dubai right now. Lake temperatures get into the mid-to-high eighties, and air temperatures surpass 115. No matter how warm the lakes get, they always feel like a refreshing break from the *truly* hot pool.
I have no problem swimming in these conditions, BUT I've gotten hypothermia swimming in 65-degree water for less than 30 minutes. I know 65-degree water isn't inherently dangerous because many of the people on this forum swim in much colder temperatures. I'm trying to learn to tolerate colder water because the marathon swims I eventually hope to attempt require it.
What's the difference?