The challenges faced in Ironman Swims

One of the most challenging parts of an Ironman is very often the open water swim and more particularly an Ocean swim.

I would like to dedicate my time spent in compiling these thoughts and links to Kevin Staessen and Berton Bosman who lost their lives in East London and trust that you will dedicate your time in reading/sharing them to the memories of these young men.

My tips for Open Water Swimming (based upon experience and what I’ve read):

1. Practice swimming in a wetsuit.

2. Practice open water swimming and especially ocean swimming.

3. Wear a second swim cap if the water is cold.

4. Take a warm up swim to reduce the shock when you are racing into the water.

5. Be wary of over hydrating prior to the swim start.

6. Be careful of starting too fast, besides the fact that a very fast first 100m could destroy a good swim, it could be dangerous too.

7. If you are not used to open water swims, or pack swims, start a little to the side, or enter the water after the masses by waiting 10-20 seconds.

8. If you feel any shortness of breath, slow down or stop to see if you can recover. Signal for support, even if just to monitor you while you may be trying to ascertain if you have gone too fast, or are in bigger trouble.

9. Make sure your wetsuit fits properly, if it’s too tight it could restrict movement/breathing.

10. If you do have a SIPE episode, get out of the water or the race. (See link at foot of page on SIPE = Swimming Induced Pulmonary Edema)

A tremendous amount of research has been done in the USA and although detailed medical history and autopsy findings were not available for each case, USAT inferred that most triathlon-related fatalities were caused by sudden cardiac death. Fatality rates do not appear to be influenced by the length of the race, method of swim start (mass, wave, or time trial start), and previous triathlon experience (or lack thereof). An analysis of course conditions determined unsafe environments or negligence on the part of event organizers did not play a role in any of the deaths.

Additionally, USAT did not find enough evidence of deaths caused by Swimming-Induced Pulmonary Edema (SIPE), a popular theory in news media outlets and triathlon discussion forums. However, the panel advises that athletes err on the side of caution and seek assistance if experiencing “unusual or unfamiliar shortness of breath while swimming.” NOTE: I would highly recommend reading the article on SIPE or IPE (AR).

Other USAT recommendations for athletes include:

– Visit a doctor for a physical examination, with an emphasis on heart health, before participating in the sport.

– Create a race plan consistent with health, fitness and preparation.

– Properly prepare for open water swimming prior to race day.

– Make sure all equipment works properly.

– Learn CPR and be prepared to use those skills when needed.

– During the event, stop at the first sign of a medical problem, including chest pain/discomfort, light-headedness or unusually high heart rate.

The 14-page USA Triathlon Fatality Incidents Study has been released to the general public. After 5 triathlete deaths in the summer of 2011, the sport’s governing body created a task force to investigate the safety of the sport and this review represents the largest-ever study of triathlon event-related fatalities.

See link to USA study below: (see bottom of the linked page to click to the report):

http://triathlon.competitor.com/2012/10/news/usa-triathlon-releases-fatality-incidents-study_65528

See link to articles/blogs on SIPE and IPE: (I think the first article on the slowtwitch site is sufficient and provides some very good points, but I’ve included two others for those who want to read more)

http://www.slowtwitch.com/Training/Swimming/Swimming_Induced_Pulmonary_Edema_SIPE__45.html

http://www.athletesheart.blogspot.com/2012/04/swimming-induced-pulmonary-edema-sipe.html

http://www.endurancetriathletes.com/sipe.html