USA Swimming at odds with FINA Open-Water Temperature Rules

FINA, the international organization that governs competitive swimming, is expected this week to raise the upper limit allowable for open-water courses. It is likely the new limit will be 87.8 degrees, almost two full degrees higher than the previously suggested limit.

The decision, if it goes through, won’t be without controversy. USA Swimming set a domestic upper limit of 85 degrees after American swimmer Fran Crippen died during a 10 kilometer race in the United Arab Emirates in 2010. The organization released a statement on Tuesday to the Associated Press regarding the new temperature rules (via ESPN):

"The safety of our athletes is extremely important to USA Swimming. When it comes to international open water competition, we would advise our athletes not to compete if the water temperature is above 29.45 degrees (Celsius).If the athlete does decide to swim, USA Swimming will ask them to sign a waiver and release. That being said, our on-site staff will carry out their normal roles as long as U.S. athletes are competing regardless of conditions."

FINA executive director spoke about the new rule, saying that the number was decided by a scientific study: “They told us 31 and that’s what we decided on. It’s not a matter of being happy or not happy. It was a scientific study and that’s what we are following.”

[Source: ESPN]