Besides the hard-working, passionate, selfless race directors of the estimated 6,500 open water swimming events around the world, the other critical people in the open water swimming world include the safety personnel and volunteers on the water.

The lifeguards on paddle boards, stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, safety boats and onshore are essential elements of the entire open water swimming ecosystem.

They know the local waters, understand its occasional tempestuous nature, can spot individuals in distress, and very importantly expertly help swimmers in emergencies.

Here are a few stories of these heroes and heroines of the open water:

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