OPEN WATER SWIMMERS PROPOSAL TO HELP IMPROVE FINA RULES

After the tragic events in Fujairah, we the undersigned would like to present some

proposals for rule changes and make some suggestions, which we hope will help to

make marathon swimming safer for competitors.

Our main reason for writing this letter is that for some time the vast majority of

swimmers have been afraid for their safety and health. We want to compete fairly and

to swim in conditions that are appropriate, for elite athletes competing in an Olympic

event.

We, the undersigned swimmers present the rules that we want to be considered. We

think that these rules are necessary for the future of our sport, and we would urge

FINA consider these conditions. We would like to see FINA approve these rule

changes for the 2011season and it goes without saying that we expect all race

organisors to observe these rules and provide all the necessary actions for the

maximum safety of the swimmers.

a. Temperature

Our opinion is that there should be a limit for warm and cold water. We

would be happy for FINA to seek expert guidance, on the effects of both

cold and warm water on the human body for prolonged periods of time. As

a starting point we would like to propose a range from 18 – 28 degrees

Celsius.

The temperature should be measured in the company of a randomly

selected coach, swimmer and delegate in three places on the course of

each marathon the day before the race and checked again on the day the

race.

b. Water quality

We would suggest that FINA takes guidance on water quality at proposed

race venues. Different Countries have very different attitudes to pollution

and quality. Water quality reports for marathon venues should be officially

confirmed by international health organisations. We would also suggest

that air quality is tested as our health and safety must come first.

c. Rescue boats

The ratio of safety boats to competitors should 1:1, and this must be

checked by the FINA delegate. If safety boats are insufficient the delegate

must have the authority to cancel the race.

d. Transponders

Swimmers should wear transponders on both wrists at all competitions.

These could be the same transponders for each marathon and provided

from FINA by the delegate at each marathon. The transponder should

contain a GPS tracker to follow the progress and pin point the exact

location of each swimmer.

e. Finish, buoys, feeding pontoons and finish funnel

Race buoys, feeding pontoons, finish funnels and touch pads should be

standardised. The same size and color buoys at every event, fixed

(anchored) feeding pontoons clearly marked, clear finish funnels and

official FINA sanctioned Omega or similar touch pads. Marathon swimming

organisation must become more professional.

f. Technical meeting

Coaches and swimmers must get all the information about the race and the

safety at this meeting. There needs to be a clear and concise

standardisation of what is said at the technical meeting. The FINA delegate

MUST follow this.

g. Swimming pool

A swimming pool for training must be assured for every day of the official

stay. There should be enough lanes available to allow World class

swimmers to train effectively.

h. Marathon date and start of the race

The climatic conditions MUST be considered when organising events in

Countries with extreme changes. Also the time of day for the race start and

finish must be taken into consideration, to ensure that swimmers are not

racing in potentially dangerous conditions.

i. Final marathon of the season

The rule about completing the final race MUST be abolished.

j. Accommodation

World class swimmers expect and deserve quality accommodation and

appropriate quantities of quality fresh and healthy food. The room sharing

system, employed at many races does not allow for World class

preparation and should be stopped.

k. Calendar

It is not rational or financially sustainable to have to travel from Continent to

continent and then back again during the season. Races need to be

organised in a sequential manner, close together. For example: Races in

Brazil and Mexico should follow each other.

In conclusion, we wish to express to FINA our concerns as elite, World class

athletes. We are an Olympic sport and not an extreme sport. We look forward

to being involved in a consultative process in helping to improve the safety,

health and wellbeing of everyone involved in our sport.

Copyright © 2010 by Open Water Source