FINA Open Water Swimming Safety and Fran Cripen Death Task Force Report

Started by the death of open water swimmer Fran Cripen and pushed by the release of USA Swimming's Open Water Safety Report, FINA has released their findings on the death of open water swimmer Fran Cripen and recommendations on how to improve open water swimming safety.

Some of the points (paraphrased) from the summary: Fran Cripen's death may have been due to a multitude of factors. Some of those factors may have been:

• high physical exertion
• fatigue
• high air temperature
• high water temperature
• potential dehydration
• heat exhaustion

The report also states that there was:

• "Inherent lack of preparation and significance placed on the safety aspects required at the Fujairah Event" [where Fran Cripen died].
• "The inadequate surveillance and safety measures made it difficult, and at times impossible, to recognize and act upon an athlete in distress."

The report concludes with recommended rule changes for events, including:

• Accounting for humidity and air temperature
• Using water temperature standards of 18C (64.4F) to 28C (82.4F)
• Using combined air and water temperature
• Reviewing water visibility, quality, clarity, flora, fauna, and pollution

The closing statement of the report notes that "It is the opinion of the task force that there is an urgent need for an organizational commitment to athlete safety as a top priority" - we can only hope that FINA listens to its own task force and does act quickly.

Swim On