Water Quality Becoming A Bigger Issue In The Open Water
FINA announced today the cancellation of the long-running FINA Open Water Swimming Grand Prix held in the majestic Sumidero Canyon, Mexico. This decision has been made based on the recommendation of the FINA Sports Medicine Committee due to water quality levels. FINA has a rule (OWS 5.3) that states “a certificate of suitability for use of the venue shall be issued by the appropriate local health and safety authorities. In general terms the certification must relate to water purity and to physical safety from other considerations.”
The ultimate decision to cancel the race, scheduled for May 7th, was based on the best interests of the athletes to ensure their health and safety. Due to the high costs of hosting and organizing a major international competition, this is a decision that shows the interests of the athletes are first and foremost. FINA Sports Medicine Committee, stated, “Given the importance of the health and safety of the open water swimming athletes, and in light of the official documentation on water quality provided by the Mexican Swimming Federation, it is evident that FINA should not expose its swimmers to these unsafe water conditions.”
Copyright © 2011 by World Open Water Swimming Association
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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