Swim Buddies for beginner races, volunteers beware

Triathlon Forum
1

Looks like USAT is making refs crack down: (names have been X’ed out)

I am the Head Referee for the X triathlon. I am responding to the request for X triathlon.

Swim buddies are unauthorized outside assistance and is not a permissible activity.

Rule 3.4d states “Unauthorized Assistance. No participant shall accept from any person (other than a race official) physical assistance in any form, including food, drink, equipment, support, pacing, a replacement bicycle or bicycle parts, unless an express exception has been granted and approved, in writing, by USA Triathlon. The receipt of information regarding the progress, split times, or location of other competitors on the race course shall not be considered the acceptance of unauthorized assistance. Any violation of this Section shall result in a variable time penalty.”

The use of Swim Buddies is considered a violation of this rule.

I will inform the Race Director tomorrow that the use of Swim Buddies in the X Triathlon is unauthorized outside assistance and is not a permissible activity. If any Swim Buddies are observed during the swim portion of the race on Sunday, those competitors being paced will be considered to be in violation of Rule 3.4d. Further, if any person not properly registered in the race participates in the swim portion of the race, that person may be considered to be in violation of Rule 3.5 Unregistered Participants. The penalty for Unregistered Participation is suspension and barring from membership in USA Triathlon and barred from participation in any USA Triathlon sanctioned event for a period of up to one year.

After the complaints they decided to allow 2 “swim marshalls” to follow each wave. This particular race is one of the biggest newbie races in the nation, that 80% of each wave is first time swimmers, too much for lifeguards and paddle boarders to handle, thus why every year swim buddies are provided for non competitive athletes. With the recent deaths this is very conflicting towards the safety of the sport and attraction of more participants.

Although this is probably more reason for USAT to require a certificate of swim ability prior to registration… thoughts?

2

Well, were I someone who felt like they needed a swim buddy, I’d just take the time penalty and participate with one. Safety much more important about some rule of some hobby.

3

Well, were I someone who felt like they needed a swim buddy, I’d just take the time penalty and participate with one. Safety much more important about some rule of some hobby.

Hey Kathy, I was just clicking through satellite maps, and it looks like you might be a little wet!

There was a swim buddy program at the San Diego Triathlon Classic a couple of weeks ago, and there was a standard 2 minute USAT penalty that people could choose to take. The above letter looks harsher, and seems to say that a swim buddy can be banned from doing tris.

I am a new fan of the swim buddy program. A friend of mine did SD as her first successful Oly swim, and took a big step because of it.

Considering that so many newbs panic and bail, I applaud newbs who prepare and think through their precautions.

4

Does make me wonder if you should have proof of completing a triathlon with an indoor swim within a reasonable swim time cut off, prior to being allowed to compete in an open water event.

I really can’t even begin to understand why somone would do an open water event that can’t swim at least reasonably well. Then again we let peopel drive cars that suck at driving too. It’s not like you need much skill to get a license in the US.

5

Well, were I someone who felt like they needed a swim buddy, I’d just take the time penalty and participate with one. Safety much more important about some rule of some hobby.

Hey Kathy, I was just clicking through satellite maps, and it looks like you might be a little wet!

There was a swim buddy program at the San Diego Triathlon Classic a couple of weeks ago, and there was a standard 2 minute USAT penalty that people could choose to take. The above letter looks harsher, and seems to say that a swim buddy can be banned from doing tris.

I am a new fan of the swim buddy program. A friend of mine did SD as her first successful Oly swim, and took a big step because of it.

Considering that so many newbs panic and bail, I applaud newbs who prepare and think through their precautions.

OMFG DON’T GET ME STARTED ON THE MFing RAIN!

it has been nonstop since end August. Invest, Depression, Storm, hurricane, invest, depression, storm, hurricane. UGH. Oaxaca and Veracruz are going to get slammed as they usually do (and have been). Disaster after disaster here. Luckilly, on a flat peninsula we don’t have mudslides (well, no dirt either to make mud with) but OMG I AM SO SICK OF THE RAIN! Did I mention the rain? We’re turning green. Green-brown is not a good look for anyone.

6
  1. Marshals not marshalls…
  2. Here in Middle Earth there is an ocean swim serious that gives “nervous” swimmers a different colored cap. This alerts lifeguards & boats on the water to keep eyes on these participants.
  3. certificate impractical & problematic? Who administers it? Who is authorzed to administer it? If a person is “certified” to swim & drowns, is the certifier liable (see the reduction of formal bike inspections).
  4. People have died on the run. Do we ask for a certification to participate overall?
7

This particular race is one of the biggest newbie races in the nation, that 80% of each wave is first time swimmers, too much for lifeguards and paddle boarders to handle, thus why every year swim buddies are provided for non competitive athletes. With the recent deaths this is very conflicting towards the safety of the sport and attraction of more participants.

I never even knew swim buddies were a thing. What in the world are they supposed to do if a swimmer gets in trouble? I think the safety concern is pretty clear: if you aren’t prepared to swim without a swim buddy, don’t.

8

Looks like USAT is making refs crack down: (names have been X’ed out)

I am the Head Referee for the X triathlon. I am responding to the request for X triathlon.

Swim buddies are unauthorized outside assistance and is not a permissible activity.

Rule 3.4d states “Unauthorized Assistance. No participant shall accept from any person (other than a race official) physical assistance in any form, including food, drink, equipment, support, pacing, a replacement bicycle or bicycle parts, unless an express exception has been granted and approved, in writing, by USA Triathlon. The receipt of information regarding the progress, split times, or location of other competitors on the race course shall not be considered the acceptance of unauthorized assistance. Any violation of this Section shall result in a variable time penalty.”

The use of Swim Buddies is considered a violation of this rule.

I will inform the Race Director tomorrow that the use of Swim Buddies in the X Triathlon is unauthorized outside assistance and is not a permissible activity. If any Swim Buddies are observed during the swim portion of the race on Sunday, those competitors being paced will be considered to be in violation of Rule 3.4d. Further, if any person not properly registered in the race participates in the swim portion of the race, that person may be considered to be in violation of Rule 3.5 Unregistered Participants. The penalty for Unregistered Participation is suspension and barring from membership in USA Triathlon and barred from participation in any USA Triathlon sanctioned event for a period of up to one year.

After the complaints they decided to allow 2 “swim marshalls” to follow each wave. This particular race is one of the biggest newbie races in the nation, that 80% of each wave is first time swimmers, too much for lifeguards and paddle boarders to handle, thus why every year swim buddies are provided for non competitive athletes. With the recent deaths this is very conflicting towards the safety of the sport and attraction of more participants.

Although this is probably more reason for USAT to require a certificate of swim ability prior to registration… thoughts?

Or, another way to look at it is by not allowing the false comfort of a swim buddy they’re encouraging athletes to prepare better.

9
  1. Marshals not marshalls…
  2. Here in Middle Earth there is an ocean swim serious that gives “nervous” swimmers a different colored cap. This alerts lifeguards & boats on the water to keep eyes on these participants.
  3. certificate impractical & problematic? Who administers it? Who is authorzed to administer it? If a person is “certified” to swim & drowns, is the certifier liable (see the reduction of formal bike inspections).
  4. People have died on the run. Do we ask for a certification to participate overall?

ok good point on the cert.

So yes its the san diego races that provides swim buddies. How about other regions, are there swim buddies available?

10

This particular race is one of the biggest newbie races in the nation, that 80% of each wave is first time swimmers, too much for lifeguards and paddle boarders to handle, thus why every year swim buddies are provided for non competitive athletes. With the recent deaths this is very conflicting towards the safety of the sport and attraction of more participants.

I never even knew swim buddies were a thing. What in the world are they supposed to do if a swimmer gets in trouble? I think the safety concern is pretty clear: if you aren’t prepared to swim without a swim buddy, don’t.

I dunno, maybe help them? When I was in the Marines we had to carry a panicked swimmer 100y to qualify. Some people have a real fear of open water or groups, so long as they can swim I don’t see an issue with it and the 2 minute penalty prior to the race. I do think they should race, albeit last. Its not fair to the other competitors to swim around them.

Besides, we have had bicycle buddies for a long time, find a ‘buddy’ who goes a little faster than you and face an optional 4 minute penalty, depending on how sneaky you are.

11
  1. Marshals not marshalls…
    So yes its the san diego races that provides swim buddies. How about other regions, are there swim buddies available?

Yes, Here is MA there are a number of races that have both newbie waves and swim buddies, these are typically sprints.
I have also seen the races where they give you an option to wear a different color cap, if you are nervous so the lifeguards can watch out for you.

12

Hmmm, I thought swim buddies were volunteers, like all the other volunteers in transition and out on the course, plus aid stations. I guess they’re all illegal according to that rule, as well, since they are providing support, assistance and food/drink.

13

This particular race is one of the biggest newbie races in the nation, that 80% of each wave is first time swimmers, too much for lifeguards and paddle boarders to handle, thus why every year swim buddies are provided for non competitive athletes. With the recent deaths this is very conflicting towards the safety of the sport and attraction of more participants.

I never even knew swim buddies were a thing. What in the world are they supposed to do if a swimmer gets in trouble? I think the safety concern is pretty clear: if you aren’t prepared to swim without a swim buddy, don’t.

I dunno, maybe help them? When I was in the Marines we had to carry a panicked swimmer 100y to qualify. Some people have a real fear of open water or groups, so long as they can swim I don’t see an issue with it and the 2 minute penalty prior to the race. I do think they should race, albeit last. Its not fair to the other competitors to swim around them.

Besides, we have had bicycle buddies for a long time, find a ‘buddy’ who goes a little faster than you and face an optional 4 minute penalty, depending on how sneaky you are.

Unless someone is trained in how to respond to a (real, not simulated) panicking swimmer, which can be quite frightening, this may end up with two victims instead of one. There is a swim angel program as mentioned down in some of the SD races, I think it’s a good idea in general, but if someone truly panics that would not be a good scene.

14

I never even knew swim buddies were a thing. What in the world are they supposed to do if a swimmer gets in trouble? I think the safety concern is pretty clear: if you aren’t prepared to swim without a swim buddy, don’t.

I see your point, and that of the similar opinion right after yours, but I don’t think everyone is wired that way. At least here in SoCal, I’ve seen countless newbs panic at their first swim start, and no one’s been able to figure out how to make all of those newbs do the basics. So if you think no one who isn’t 100% confident in their skills should to an open water tri, I largely agree. That said, from what I saw in SD, the people who asked for swim buddies were more prepared and prudent than the newbs we see who don’t do the basics.

Or, another way to look at it is by not allowing the false comfort of a swim buddy they’re encouraging athletes to prepare better.

What I saw was counter-intuitive, that people who were prepared but careful were the ones willing to sign up.

15

This particular race is one of the biggest newbie races in the nation, that 80% of each wave is first time swimmers, too much for lifeguards and paddle boarders to handle, thus why every year swim buddies are provided for non competitive athletes. With the recent deaths this is very conflicting towards the safety of the sport and attraction of more participants.

I never even knew swim buddies were a thing. What in the world are they supposed to do if a swimmer gets in trouble? I think the safety concern is pretty clear: if you aren’t prepared to swim without a swim buddy, don’t.

I dunno, maybe help them? When I was in the Marines we had to carry a panicked swimmer 100y to qualify. Some people have a real fear of open water or groups, so long as they can swim I don’t see an issue with it and the 2 minute penalty prior to the race. I do think they should race, albeit last. Its not fair to the other competitors to swim around them.

Besides, we have had bicycle buddies for a long time, find a ‘buddy’ who goes a little faster than you and face an optional 4 minute penalty, depending on how sneaky you are.

Unless someone is trained in how to respond to a (real, not simulated) panicking swimmer, which can be quite frightening, this may end up with two victims instead of one. There is a swim angel program as mentioned down in some of the SD races, I think it’s a good idea in general, but if someone truly panics that would not be a good scene.

This.

I was just typing up an almost identical response - it’s no fun, and potentially deadly, to have someone freak out and try to climb up you in a futile attempt to get as far as they can out of the water, and some of these swim buddy programs seem to be pitched as just “Hey, come and swim with a nervous first timer, it’ll be awesome!” (maybe I’m wrong and there’s a whole training and certification plan going on in the background, but it doesn’t seem like there is).

16

I was a swim buddy earlier this year for the Encinitas Triathlon, the waves were nice and big that day. The race sanctioned the swim buddies, we were volunteers and not just good Samaritans.

I generally agree with the premise that if an athlete needs a swim buddy or swim angel, he/she shouldn’t be in the water to compete. That said, I like the program because those weak swimmers may just go ahead race anyway, at least we were there for support if needed. I swam with 4-5 different athletes, all but one completed the swim, the last swimmer had to give up, I simply treaded water with her until a lifeguard made his way over with a paddle board. I provided zero assistance other than encouragement, so I’m not sure how anyone can consider that outside assistance. Under that line of thinking any cheering from the crowd could also be considered outside assistance.

17

I was a swim buddy earlier this year for the Encinitas Triathlon, the waves were nice and big that day. The race sanctioned the swim buddies, we were volunteers and not just good Samaritans.

I generally agree with the premise that if an athlete needs a swim buddy or swim angel, he/she shouldn’t be in the water to compete. That said, I like the program because those weak swimmers may just go ahead race anyway, at least we were there for support if needed. I swam with 4-5 different athletes, all but one completed the swim, the last swimmer had to give up, I simply treaded water with her until a lifeguard made his way over with a paddle board. I provided zero assistance other than encouragement, so I’m not sure how anyone can consider that outside assistance. Under that line of thinking any cheering from the crowd could also be considered outside assistance.

Seems like the letter above referenced it as “pacing,” which seems a little ridiculous to me.

18

Pretty reasonable call by the refs, given that there hasn’t been even a single pure drowning race-day death that’s not cardiac-related in triathlon, at least that I can recall in the past 5 years.

19

Unless someone is trained in how to respond to a (real, not simulated) panicking swimmer, which can be quite frightening, this may end up with two victims instead of one.

Just so people know, a decent chunk of formal life guard training is spent learning how not to get killed by the person you are trying to save. The natural reaction of a drowning person is to try and climb you like a telephone pole and if you don’t have what is basically semi advanced wrestling escape move training, you are going down for the count too.

Its pretty close to suicide for an untrianed person to approach a truly panicked swimmer in water you can not stand up in. That is not to say you can not calm down someone who is a little freaked out or help someone who in not yet totally panicked but once they cross that line, even life guards are trained to approach only as a last resort.

20

What the heck is a swim buddy?