Safety during swim of a triathlon

mandysmithers

I'm going to be doing my first triathlon soon, and I have a question re the swim - it'll be in a lake. Just thinking about the recent tragedy in Cavan where the two men drowned while trying to save some others. I'm presuming if they were trying to save some other people, that they must have at least considered themselves to be good swimmers. So what I'm wondering is, is there much of a danger whilst swimming in lakes in general? How do people drown in what might be an otherwise smooth lake - they get a cramp, get tired, get caught up in reeds? I know there's loads of reasons why people drown.

Bambaata

I don't know the circumstances of that tragedy but to put your mind at ease

1) you'll be in a wetsuit which will both keep you warm and keep you somewhat buoyant
2) there will be boats and/or kayakers around should you get into difficulty

shels4ever

I've only done one Tri before and found it very safe, There were lots of boats in the water and seems to be well under control. I would say that a lake swim is even easier to manager as lack of really big wave means anyone with problems (should) be spotted easier.

catweazle

I wouldnt worry about the swim in the triathlon,they are all well marshaled and they willhave selected a good spot for swimming, if you are talking about swimming lakes in general, I would find a bit out from the locals where is good to go, clear water, ease of access etc etc.

I also when I am on my own tend to stay parallel to the shore and not go to far out. There are a few swims mapped out in mapmyrun have a check there and see if there are any in your area

tunney

mandysmithers wrote: »

I'm going to be doing my first triathlon soon, and I have a question re the swim - it'll be in a lake. Just thinking about the recent tragedy in Cavan where the two men drowned while trying to save some others. I'm presuming if they were trying to save some other people, that they must have at least considered themselves to be good swimmers. So what I'm wondering is, is there much of a danger whilst swimming in lakes in general? How do people drown in what might be an otherwise smooth lake - they get a cramp, get tired, get caught up in reeds? I know there's loads of reasons why people drown.

Your safety in a race depends hugely on the race organisers attention to detail.
Is there enough coverage of water safety personal?
Is there a requirement for divers under the swim start? (most dangerous place)
Is there too many people at the swim start?
etc etc

Regarding drowning when rescuing people, the risk is that the people that you are trying to save, panic, grab you and effectively drown you.
The other risk is people overestimating their swimming capabilities and underestimating the dangers of water.

Never ever swim alone in open water.

mandysmithers

tunney wrote: »

Is there a requirement for divers under the swim start? (most dangerous place)
Is there too many people at the swim start?
etc etc

Thanks for all the replies folks.

As regards the swim start, I was planning on hanging back as I'm not a fast swimmer, and amn't looking to break any records other than surviving the tri! What would you, or any other experienced triathletes suggest?

Thanks.

bagus

Bambaata wrote: »

I don't know the circumstances of that tragedy but to put your mind at ease

1) you'll be in a wetsuit which will both keep you warm and keep you somewhat buoyant
2) there will be boats and/or kayakers around should you get into difficulty

If you get into difficulty, stop, raise an arm above the water, and move it side to side. That is recognized as the signal for assistance

As long as you stay calm you will be fine.

MrCreosote

Definitely hang back a little, or start at the side. A lot of the problem is the other people in the water. If somebody bashes into you and you lose your rhythm just take a second or two to recover. The wetsuit makes a huge difference- roll on your back anytime and you'll be right up out of the water.

If the first bit goes well you can always increase the pace anyway!

jb-ski

hi
i guess you're doing Lough Key or Loughrea?

both are well marshalled with kayaks and safety boat. there are no reeds,
Lough Key a bit rocky where you get in but otherwise ok.
both are clean, and it's relatively easy to sight( swim right direction!)

of course, the main factor is the weather but don't worry about that until the day,
it's always nice and calm in September...................i hope!

best of luck.