A Passing In The Open Water
The New Zealand Herald reported that a 50-year-old man suffered a heart attack during the 2.5K Epic Swim in Lake Taupo yesterday. After getting into difficulty, attempts to resuscitate him by the water safety team and St John paramedics were unsuccessful.Matt Claridge, the interim Chief Executive at Water Safety New Zealand, said the passing will be investigated very closely.
Matt said he was particularly concerned at the number of swimmers who had drowned in open water events in recent years and many were heading to the water in greater numbers in New Zealand because of the hot weather.
“There have been five drownings or fatalities in swims over the last four years. They’re either drownings or cardiac arrest. I believe Water Safety New Zealand should be reviewing this incident and providing a report to the coroner.” “People are trying to make the most of their holidays and the warm temperatures and get out on the water, but they need to be reminded just how dangerous it can be,” he added.
Copyright © 2011 by Open Water Source
Southern California native, born 1962, is the creator of the WOWSA Awards, Oceans Seven, Openwaterpedia, Citrus Corps, World Open Water Swimming Association, Daily News of Open Water Swimming, Global Open Water Swimming Conference. He is Chief Executive Officer of KAATSU Global and KAATSU Research Institute. Inductee in the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Swimmer, Class of 2001) and Ice Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Contributor - Media, Class of 2019), recipient of the International Swimming Hall of Fame's Poseidon Award (2016), International Swimming Hall of Fame's Irving Davids-Captain Roger Wheeler Memorial Award (2010), USA Swimming's Glen S. Hummer Award (2007, 2010) and Harvard University's John B. Imrie Award (1984). Served on the FINA Technical Open Water Swimming Committee and as Technical Delegate with the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games, and 9-time USA Swimming coaching staff. Note: WOWSA only recommends products or services used or recommended by the community. WOWSA does not receive compensation for links or products mentioned on this site or in blog posts. If it does, it will be indicated clearly on that specific post. See WOWSA's privacy policy for more information.
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