SWIM PORTION OF TRIS AND MINIMUM SAFETY STANDARDS

delboyfagan

Guys,

Having raced the 3Dtri aquathon on Saturday I was amazed at the number of canoes, boats etc. in the water to ensure proper safety. Whilst the field was small there was an abundance of boats in the water (no doubt helped by the fact that it was in aid of the RNLI).

Which was in direct contrast to an event that I took part in earlier in the year, which was had 1 canoe for each wave that went off.

Is there a minimum number of safety boats/canoes required re TI rules. What happens if a race is not sanctioned by TI or if it is one of the numerous charity races on the circuit - is there a 'general' standard re minimum safety requirements for the swim section of triathlons.

Rgds,

Derek

hunnymonster

Folks, there have been a lot of people asking TI rules on the forums over the last couple of days. Competitors ahve a responsibility to know the rules, so I'm worried at these questions.

The best reference source is the manual of guidence.

Back to Delboy's question. Section 2.22
Safety cover must be provided. This can be canoes, powered craft, coastguard/lifeboat inshore craft etc. There should be at least one powered craft at every open water event with first aid and hypothermia treatment facilities on board. Extra canoe cover or similar non-powered craft will be needed where motorised craft are not permitted on the water facility.
Water safety personnel must be in the ratio of 1 to 20 competitors at least. . Competitors should never be more than 50 metres from assistance at any point on the swim course. Divers, fully equipped with sub aqua gear, should be in the water at the start of the event and available for speedy deployment to any part of the swim course.

Of course other events (not TI sanctioned) need to meet the requirements of their insurance. The one thing I would say is that different water bodies have different requirements so absolute numbers might not tell the whole picture.

delboyfagan

Point taken on board and agreed with it hunnymonster

hunnymonster

it wasn't a dig at you in particular Derek, just been a lot of questions this week. As a ref, you would be amazed at how many people try the "but you didn't tell me I was breaking a rule" defence

Hope I answered your question anyway.

delboyfagan

Thanks for the reply
I was just been lazy!!!

tunney

hunnymonster wrote: »

it wasn't a dig at you in particular Derek, just been a lot of questions this week. As a ref, you would be amazed at how many people try the "but you didn't tell me I was breaking a rule" defence

Hope I answered your question anyway.

And then you get abused no end. Probably why so main TDs and refs are no longer doing it. Competitors abuse the TDs and Refs for the failings of the RDs. The RDs abuse them because they try to enforce the rules. So not worth the hassle.

Zuppy

I agree with Tunny on this but to be honest no ref in any sport should suffer abuse. If you can be bothered reading the rules as RD or competitor then tough. If you just lapsed or "forgot" then put your hand up and accept it. Mistakes happen on all sides but there is no place for abuse.

secman

As far as I aware the open sea swims require minimum of 3 boats for Insurance purposes. Have seen races cancelled cos only 2 boats turned up, but in fairness many moons ago. General rule too- small craft warning- no boats -no insurance cover - no swim. Keep everyone safe as possible.

Secman