Dave Creel was the Canadian open water swimmer of the year in 2002 and 2004. He first represented Canada at the 2002 World Open Water Championships in Sharm el Sheik, Egypt where he placed 13th in the 10 km. He also represented Canada at the 2003 World Swimming Championships in Barcelona, Spain, 2004 World Open Water Championships in Dubai, U.A.E, 2006 World Open Water Championships in Naples, Italy, the 2007 World Swimming Championships in Melbourne Australia and the 2009 FINA World Championships in Rome, Italy.