Section 8: Safety Considerations
Open water swimming presents unique risks: hypothermia, hyperthermia, drowning, jellyfish/marine-life contact, navigation hazards. World Aquatics mandates: water-temperature pre-race measurement (race cancellation thresholds at 16°C and 31°C); on-water rescue boats every ~200 m of course; spotters on shore + on boats; safety swimmers in water; on-site medical (ambulance + EMT + team physician); helicopter evacuation plan for remote venues. Mandatory pre-race medical clearance + cardiac screening. Buddy / partner-pairing system between coaches and athletes at each feeding station. AED at finish line. Concussion / aspiration protocol after any submersion incident — swimmer pulled, medical evaluation, conditional return-to-water authorization required. World Aquatics suspended/postponed events for water quality (e.g., Paris 2024 Seine deliberations) — water quality testing pre-race may delay or cancel competition.