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Shelley Taylor-Smith Reflects on the 2011 Open Water Swimming Safety Conference
Many of the who's who of the open water swimming world gathered in San Francisco for the Protecting Athletes - Open Water Swimming Safety Conference. Race directors, officials, administrators and safety officers networked, discussed, debated, proposed and shared ideas on various aspects of open water swimming safety.
Many of the who's who of the open water swimming world gathered in San Francisco for the Protecting Athletes - Open Water Swimming Safety Conference. Race directors, officials, administrators and safety officers networked, discussed, debated, proposed and shared ideas on various aspects of open water swimming safety.
Protecting Athletes - Open Water Swimming Safety Conference
Shelley Taylor-Smith was the keynote speaker.
Conference Videos
(Hosted at www.usms.org)
1. Introduction
Steve Munatones and Rob Butcher open up the conference. The Open Water Safety Conference was held March 19-20, 2011 in San Francisco.
2. Keynote Speaker
7-time world champion Shelley Taylor-Smith gives the keynote speech.
3. Chris Brewster
U.S. Lifesaving Association President Chris Brewster provides an overview from a lifesaving professional's point of view.
4. Ralph Goto
Ralph Goto, administrator from the Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services Division, city and county of Honolulu, provides an overview from a lifesaving professional's point of view.
5. Greg Buchanan
Lt. Greg Buchanan from the San Diego Lifeguard Services / San Diego Fire/Rescue provides an overview from a lifesaving professional's point of view.
6. Inherent Risks
The inherent risks of open water swimming, with Steve Munatones, Chris Sheean, Eric Juneau, Ralph Goto, Jim Wheeler.
7. Current Rules
Current rules and guidelines used in open water swimming, with Steve Munatones, Lynn Hazlewood, Shelly Taylor-Smith, John Dussliere, David Robinson, Marcia Cleveland.
8. Emergencies and Contingencies
Emergencies and contingencies, with Steve Munatones, Chris Brewster, Bob Placak, Kate Alexander, Capt. Brent Jacobsen, Dale Petranech, Mike Carr.
(Hosted at www.usms.org)
1. Introduction
Steve Munatones and Rob Butcher open up the conference. The Open Water Safety Conference was held March 19-20, 2011 in San Francisco.
2. Keynote Speaker
7-time world champion Shelley Taylor-Smith gives the keynote speech.
3. Chris Brewster
U.S. Lifesaving Association President Chris Brewster provides an overview from a lifesaving professional's point of view.
4. Ralph Goto
Ralph Goto, administrator from the Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services Division, city and county of Honolulu, provides an overview from a lifesaving professional's point of view.
5. Greg Buchanan
Lt. Greg Buchanan from the San Diego Lifeguard Services / San Diego Fire/Rescue provides an overview from a lifesaving professional's point of view.
6. Inherent Risks
The inherent risks of open water swimming, with Steve Munatones, Chris Sheean, Eric Juneau, Ralph Goto, Jim Wheeler.
7. Current Rules
Current rules and guidelines used in open water swimming, with Steve Munatones, Lynn Hazlewood, Shelly Taylor-Smith, John Dussliere, David Robinson, Marcia Cleveland.
8. Emergencies and Contingencies
Emergencies and contingencies, with Steve Munatones, Chris Brewster, Bob Placak, Kate Alexander, Capt. Brent Jacobsen, Dale Petranech, Mike Carr.
9. Safety in Ocean Swims
Steven Munatones, Kaia Hedlund, Malcolm Cooper, Lt. Greg Buchanan, Joel Wilson, Dale Petranech, Ralph Goto
10. Safety in Lake Swims
Steven Munatones, Chris Sheean, Karen Reeder, Lynn Hazlewood, Dick Sidner, David Robinson
11. Safety in Marathon Swims
Steven Munatones, Paul Asmuth, Shelley Taylor-Smith, Eric Juneau, John Dussliere, Marcia Cleveland
12. Safety in River Swims
Glenda Carroll, David Robinson, Lisa Hazen, Jim Wheeler, David Barra
13. Safety in Warm Water
Dr. Jim Miller, Ralph Goto, Liz Tucker
14. Safety in Cold Water
Dr. Jim Miller, Paul Asmuth, Eric Juneau, Marcia Cleveland
15. Equipment Used in Races
Steven Munatones, Bruce Wigo, Morty Berger, Dick Sidner, Bob Placak, Mike Carr, Chris Brewster, Liz Tucker
16. What Swimming Can Learn From Other Sports
Dr. Jim Miller, Bruce Wigo, Lt. Greg Buchanan, Capt. Brent Jacobsen, Jim Wheeler
17. Closing Speech: Maddy Crippen
Maddy Crippen from the Fran Crippen Elevation Foundation provides the closing speech for the conference.
Conference Reflections
Protecting Athletes was the theme of
the first global open water swimming safety conference in San
Francisco. And collaboration, camaraderie and communication were its
keys to success.
The conference attracted over 140 individuals representing over 110 organizations from 8 countries. Sydney to Seattle. London to Long Beach. Tokyo to Texas. The world is passionately interested in maintaining its global growth while protecting its athletes under all conditions and circumstances.
From race directors and safety officials to administrators and accomplished athletes, the conference enabled like-minded open water swimming people to network and learn, discuss and debate.
Sharing experiences, learning new protocols, analyzing emergencies, exchanging vendor contacts…the conference was a grand success thanks to the vision of its sponsors, U.S. Masters Swimming and Pacific Masters Swimming.
The allure of the ocean, lakes, river, channels and canals has attracted millions to the open water – adding financial and operational stress on race organizers.
The conference attracted over 140 individuals representing over 110 organizations from 8 countries. Sydney to Seattle. London to Long Beach. Tokyo to Texas. The world is passionately interested in maintaining its global growth while protecting its athletes under all conditions and circumstances.
From race directors and safety officials to administrators and accomplished athletes, the conference enabled like-minded open water swimming people to network and learn, discuss and debate.
Sharing experiences, learning new protocols, analyzing emergencies, exchanging vendor contacts…the conference was a grand success thanks to the vision of its sponsors, U.S. Masters Swimming and Pacific Masters Swimming.
The allure of the ocean, lakes, river, channels and canals has attracted millions to the open water – adding financial and operational stress on race organizers.
The excitement of the sport is being carefully balanced by the inherent risks of the sport. As the sport expands, the responsibilities of its organizers, administrators and officials will also increase.
Throughout the three-day conference, smiles and laughter were intermingled with serious conversations and hard questions.
Warm water and waves. Cold water and currents. Hyperthermia and hypothermia. Rough water and pollution. Sharks and squalls. Thunderstorms and jellyfish. The plethora of dangers that safety personnel must plan for and face was innumerable. The discussions and debates ranged on. What to do? How to do it? What plans, protocols and procedures make sense? What equipment is optimal? How to communicate and how to train volunteers? With sanctioned races in at least 84 countries and over 3,600 races worldwide, the issues faced by the global open water swimming community are difficult.
But it was with a sense of urgency and a sense of purpose that the global group discussed the optimal road ahead. Not everything was answered and agreed upon, but the goals were clearly stated – protecting the athletes is the ultimate responsibility of the race organizers.
"Shelley was terrific. Great choice..."
“Fantastic
seminar. Shelley was terrific. Great choice for the opening speaker.
I enjoyed Chris Brewster & Ralph's input in the first session.
Great stuff. It was interesting to listen to the thoughts of the panel
in session #2. In the afternoon I went to Safety in Ocean Water Swims,
Cold Water & Marathon Swims. Dr Miller provided very valuable
information in an accessible way. The panel for Marathon Swims was
unbelievable. It speaks volumes that you could pull all of those people
together in one place. I could have listened to that panel exchange
information for hours.”
Bob Needham of Bob Swims for Suicide Prevention (Oregon)
Bob Needham of Bob Swims for Suicide Prevention (Oregon)
"A Very Well-Organized Conference"
“Thanks
to United States Masters Swimming, Pacific Masters, and Steve Munatones
for a very well-organized conference. Steve also did a fantastic job
as moderator. "They had a very good turnout for the inaugural
conference, with over 150 people representing everything from small
Masters competitions through elite World-Class events. Several
countries were also represented. "There was a very good exchange of
information and best-practices. "Overall, I thought the
conference was outstanding and definitely a great start to an annual
event. Thanks for the opportunity to attend!”
Dean Ekeren,
USA Swimming National Events & Marketing Director
“…thank you for organizing last weekend's conference. It was great meeting with you and certainly a great opportunity to get the global open water community together. I'd certainly be very keen on coming back next year and may also be able to drag a few others from the UK with me. In terms of the Water Safety conference next year … if you're looking for speakers do get in touch, there's been lots of interest in it back here in the UK.”
Martin Suzan, Swim SafetyLtd | Event Water Safety Management & Consultancy
“Thanks for allowing me to join your team. You ran a very important conference.”
Lieutenant Greg Buchanan of the San Diego Lifeguard Service and San Diego Fire Rescue
“Thanks so much for hosting a great evening. It was wonderful to see you and I truly appreciated the opportunity to be there and to learn from and network with so many incredible individuals in our sport.”
Erica Rose, World Champion
Dean Ekeren,
USA Swimming National Events & Marketing Director
“…thank you for organizing last weekend's conference. It was great meeting with you and certainly a great opportunity to get the global open water community together. I'd certainly be very keen on coming back next year and may also be able to drag a few others from the UK with me. In terms of the Water Safety conference next year … if you're looking for speakers do get in touch, there's been lots of interest in it back here in the UK.”
Martin Suzan, Swim SafetyLtd | Event Water Safety Management & Consultancy
“Thanks for allowing me to join your team. You ran a very important conference.”
Lieutenant Greg Buchanan of the San Diego Lifeguard Service and San Diego Fire Rescue
“Thanks so much for hosting a great evening. It was wonderful to see you and I truly appreciated the opportunity to be there and to learn from and network with so many incredible individuals in our sport.”
Erica Rose, World Champion
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Open Water Source Community!
The global open water swimming community is estimated to be 16 million individuals of every age, ability and background located in nearly every country, region and continent in the world.
Share your stories.
Learn what other swimmers do or imagine.
Rank yourself among the global open water swimming community by gender, by age and by time via our exclusive databases.
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Open Water Source weekly newsletter summarizing the events of the open water world in a convenient, easy-to-read format, delivered via email.
• Full, unlimited access to Open Water Wednesday, a weekly online talk-show for open water swimming, for one year.
• Full, unlimited access to World Swimming Majors, a global ranking database of marathon swimmers. Input an unlimited number of marathon swims.
• Full, unlimited access to World Open Water Swimming Rankings, a global ranking database of open water swimmers. Input an unlimited number of open water swims.
• Special discounts from Open Water Source Partners and Vendors including FINIS, Swim Phone, The Athlete Village, Tri-Slide and others.
• At least one featured story and photo in The Daily News of Open Water Swimming.
• One hyperlink and logo posted on The Daily News of Open Water Swimming for at least one month.
• One hyperlink and logo on Open Water Source for one year.
• 25% discount on the annual Global Open Water Swimming Conference fees (up to a US$75 value) where you can attend the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame induction ceremony and dinner and the World Open Water Swimming Awards ceremony and dinner.
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Prepare to be educated by his explanations of hypothermia, hyperthermia, feeding, the need for sleep and training methodologies of the elite athletes. Exclusive presentations are provided in the members area.
Prepare to be educated by his explanations of hypothermia, hyperthermia, feeding, the need for sleep and training methodologies of the elite athletes. Exclusive presentations are provided in the members area.
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Conference Testimonials!
“Thanks, Steve and once again great job!”
Dr. Jim Miller, former President U.S. Masters Swimming
“Early reports are positively glowing. Sounds like a Grand Slam Home Run, Mr.Munatones. Given the explosion of open water swimming and the loss of Fran, this was absolutely the very best thing you could have done for the sport.”
Phil White, Founder of Northeast Kingdom Open Water Swimming Association
“Thank you Steve! It was a very informative, fun conference and quite the opportunity to connect with people.”
Emily Prendergast of South Whidbey Island Masters
“It was a pleasure to meet you at the conference this past weekend. Awareness of the safety issues and concerns for our sport has now led us to continue to make the open water safer for everyone..the conference was the most important 'swim' event I have been to. Thank you and all the great guest speakers and panelists who brought awareness to the open water discipline. I did my own version of bullet points too. See swimmersyear.blogspot.com .”
Erik Sterne of California
“Keep up the great work.”
Marc Randell, Founder of The Athlete Village
“Hey congratulations on a fantastic event -- I have heard only positive reviews.”
Laura Hamel, Editor-in-Chief, U.S. Masters Swimming
“Good job guys, Thanks for reporting on such important events."
Etienne Couture, Canada
“Thank you for organizing such a well planned event. You did an amazing job bringing together such a variety of open water swimming sources. It was a fun day and I appreciate your hard work and effort.”
Tina Neill, English Channel and Catalina Channel world record holder
“I was in information overload on Sunday morning. My thoughts are starting to gel now. I will send recommendations and expanded wish list in a few days. Thanks again for a great event - learned tons that we'll put to use at flowers Sea Swim.”
Kate Alexander, Safety Director, Flowers Sea Swim
“Great conference. You did a fantastic job.”
Bill Roach, Safety Director, U.S. Masters Swimming 25K National Championship
“Steven, thank you for a wonderful conference this weekend. A lot of great information; Bob and I are already in the process of implementing the ideas and suggestions provided.”
Christine Wilson, Race Director, RCP Tiburon Mile
“Just wanted to congratulate you on organising such an excellent conference. Both Susan and I would like to thank you for all your efforts in making it such a success! It turned out to be a little different than I thought it would be, but that certainly wasn’t a negative on it. It has turned out to be an excellent foundation stone for the years ahead for safety in the open water swimming community. It has also given us the opportunity to thoroughly review all of our safety procedures in our swim events. Well done and hope you have managed to have some time off following it, but knowing you, I doubt it!”
Simon Murie, Founder, SwimTrek Swimming Adventure Holidays
“I fully enjoyed the open water safety conference this past weekend. I am entering as a swimmer, coach, organizer and still more T.B.D. The open communication and collaboration globally was validating and exciting. I am now connected more so to my local Pacific Masters Open water safety, organizers and coordinators and committee members. My world of making open water more of my life is possible now. Thank you for providing a stepping stone opportunity.”
Morgan Filler, Professional Marathon Swimmer and Certificate of Merit recipient,
International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame
“The dedication you bring to your profession is not measurable by any means. Pure awesomeness."
Mahnaz Beiraghdar
“I had a great time at the conference and learned so much.”
Kara Hensley, Jonathan Club Youth Aquatics Director
“Bravo on the Conference and please pass along my kudos to Rob. Kara came home raving. Job well done buddy.”
Sid Cassidy, Starter at the Olympic 10K Marathon Swim
"I learned a TON of stuff and took LOTS of notes. I'm definitely going next year. It was time well spent."
Gordon Gridley of Utah
"What a great event [on] a very timely topic with moving speeches."
Bruce Mccoubrey of Vancouver
"What a great conference and thank you for the opportunity to attend and present the Swimmer Safety Device."
Bruce Wigo, CEO of the International Swimming Hall of Fame
“Thanks for a really helpful and fun conference.”
Jeff Jacobsen of Whidbey Island Washington, USA
“…Kurt Thiel attended and came away with glowing reviews. He filled me in on much of what is progressing in our open water world via the conference. We have been quietly working here in DC and look forward to an exciting 2011 season. Congratulations, again. We look forward to seeing you at the NYC conference in June.”
Denis Crean, Founder of www.waveoneswimming.com
Dr. Jim Miller, former President U.S. Masters Swimming
“Early reports are positively glowing. Sounds like a Grand Slam Home Run, Mr.Munatones. Given the explosion of open water swimming and the loss of Fran, this was absolutely the very best thing you could have done for the sport.”
Phil White, Founder of Northeast Kingdom Open Water Swimming Association
“Thank you Steve! It was a very informative, fun conference and quite the opportunity to connect with people.”
Emily Prendergast of South Whidbey Island Masters
“It was a pleasure to meet you at the conference this past weekend. Awareness of the safety issues and concerns for our sport has now led us to continue to make the open water safer for everyone..the conference was the most important 'swim' event I have been to. Thank you and all the great guest speakers and panelists who brought awareness to the open water discipline. I did my own version of bullet points too. See swimmersyear.blogspot.com .”
Erik Sterne of California
“Keep up the great work.”
Marc Randell, Founder of The Athlete Village
“Hey congratulations on a fantastic event -- I have heard only positive reviews.”
Laura Hamel, Editor-in-Chief, U.S. Masters Swimming
“Good job guys, Thanks for reporting on such important events."
Etienne Couture, Canada
“Thank you for organizing such a well planned event. You did an amazing job bringing together such a variety of open water swimming sources. It was a fun day and I appreciate your hard work and effort.”
Tina Neill, English Channel and Catalina Channel world record holder
“I was in information overload on Sunday morning. My thoughts are starting to gel now. I will send recommendations and expanded wish list in a few days. Thanks again for a great event - learned tons that we'll put to use at flowers Sea Swim.”
Kate Alexander, Safety Director, Flowers Sea Swim
“Great conference. You did a fantastic job.”
Bill Roach, Safety Director, U.S. Masters Swimming 25K National Championship
“Steven, thank you for a wonderful conference this weekend. A lot of great information; Bob and I are already in the process of implementing the ideas and suggestions provided.”
Christine Wilson, Race Director, RCP Tiburon Mile
“Just wanted to congratulate you on organising such an excellent conference. Both Susan and I would like to thank you for all your efforts in making it such a success! It turned out to be a little different than I thought it would be, but that certainly wasn’t a negative on it. It has turned out to be an excellent foundation stone for the years ahead for safety in the open water swimming community. It has also given us the opportunity to thoroughly review all of our safety procedures in our swim events. Well done and hope you have managed to have some time off following it, but knowing you, I doubt it!”
Simon Murie, Founder, SwimTrek Swimming Adventure Holidays
“I fully enjoyed the open water safety conference this past weekend. I am entering as a swimmer, coach, organizer and still more T.B.D. The open communication and collaboration globally was validating and exciting. I am now connected more so to my local Pacific Masters Open water safety, organizers and coordinators and committee members. My world of making open water more of my life is possible now. Thank you for providing a stepping stone opportunity.”
Morgan Filler, Professional Marathon Swimmer and Certificate of Merit recipient,
International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame
“The dedication you bring to your profession is not measurable by any means. Pure awesomeness."
Mahnaz Beiraghdar
“I had a great time at the conference and learned so much.”
Kara Hensley, Jonathan Club Youth Aquatics Director
“Bravo on the Conference and please pass along my kudos to Rob. Kara came home raving. Job well done buddy.”
Sid Cassidy, Starter at the Olympic 10K Marathon Swim
"I learned a TON of stuff and took LOTS of notes. I'm definitely going next year. It was time well spent."
Gordon Gridley of Utah
"What a great event [on] a very timely topic with moving speeches."
Bruce Mccoubrey of Vancouver
"What a great conference and thank you for the opportunity to attend and present the Swimmer Safety Device."
Bruce Wigo, CEO of the International Swimming Hall of Fame
“Thanks for a really helpful and fun conference.”
Jeff Jacobsen of Whidbey Island Washington, USA
“…Kurt Thiel attended and came away with glowing reviews. He filled me in on much of what is progressing in our open water world via the conference. We have been quietly working here in DC and look forward to an exciting 2011 season. Congratulations, again. We look forward to seeing you at the NYC conference in June.”
Denis Crean, Founder of www.waveoneswimming.com
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