What is swim safety in Triathlon?

Section 8: Safety Considerations

Safety craft: Kayakers, jet ski operators, and lifeguards positioned at regular intervals along the swim course. Ratio: minimum 1 safety craft per 25 athletes.
Distress protocol: Athletes in distress should raise an arm and wave to attract attention. Safety craft extract the athlete. Assisted athletes are automatically withdrawn from the race.
Water quality: Water quality tests conducted 24–48 hours before the event. E. coli levels must meet WHO recreational water standards. Swim segment cancelled if contamination thresholds are exceeded.
Current and tide: In ocean or river venues, current speed and direction are assessed. Course layout adjusted to minimise dangerous conditions.

Motorcycle marshals: Officials on motorcycles monitor the bike course for crashes, mechanical breakdowns, and rule compliance.
Lead and follow vehicles: A lead vehicle precedes the race leader, and a follow vehicle trails the last athlete. Medical motorcycles carry first-response equipment.
Road closures: The entire bike course must be closed to non-race traffic. Course barriers, marshals, and police manage intersections.
Mechanical assistance: Athletes may perform self-repairs but may not receive mechanical assistance. Wheel changes from neutral support are permitted at designated locations.

Aid stations: Water, electrolyte drinks, and sponges available every 2.5 km. In hot conditions (WBGT above 28°C), additional cooling stations with ice and misting are provided.
Medical team: Paramedics and physicians at the finish line, transition areas, and key course points. Ambulance on standby with hospital route pre-planned.
Heat policy: Competition may be modified (shortened distances, additional aid stations, earlier start times) or cancelled when the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) exceeds 32.2°C (90°F).
Collapse protocol: Athletes who collapse near or at the finish line are attended to immediately. Rectal temperature measurement is the gold standard for diagnosing exertional heat stroke. Cold water immersion tubs are positioned at the finish area for rapid cooling.

Safety craft: Kayakers, jet ski operators, and lifeguards positioned at regular intervals along the swim course. Ratio: minimum 1 safety craft per 25 athletes.
Distress protocol: Athletes in distress should raise an arm and wave to attract attention. Safety craft extract the athlete. Assisted athletes are automatically withdrawn from the race.
Water quality: Water quality tests conducted 24–48 hours before the event. E. coli levels must meet WHO recreational water standards. Swim segment cancelled if contamination thresholds are exceeded.
Current and tide: In ocean or river venues, current speed and direction are assessed. Course layout adjusted to minimise dangerous conditions.

Motorcycle marshals: Officials on motorcycles monitor the bike course for crashes, mechanical breakdowns, and rule compliance.
Lead and follow vehicles: A lead vehicle precedes the race leader, and a follow vehicle trails the last athlete. Medical motorcycles carry first-response equipment.
Road closures: The entire bike course must be closed to non-race traffic. Course barriers, marshals, and police manage intersections.
Mechanical assistance: Athletes may perform self-repairs but may not receive mechanical assistance. Wheel changes from neutral support are permitted at designated locations.

Aid stations: Water, electrolyte drinks, and sponges available every 2.5 km. In hot conditions (WBGT above 28°C), additional cooling stations with ice and misting are provided.
Medical team: Paramedics and physicians at the finish line, transition areas, and key course points. Ambulance on standby with hospital route pre-planned.
Heat policy: Competition may be modified (shortened distances, additional aid stations, earlier start times) or cancelled when the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) exceeds 32.2°C (90°F).
Collapse protocol: Athletes who collapse near or at the finish line are attended to immediately. Rectal temperature measurement is the gold standard for diagnosing exertional heat stroke. Cold water immersion tubs are positioned at the finish area for rapid cooling.