The wrongful death case brought against North America Sports and World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) is under way this week. Ironman brand owner WTC, became a defendant through its acquisition of Ironman Florida from North America Sports in January 2009.
In a lawsuit brought by the deceased’s family, it is alleged that there was negligence in the death of Barney Rice a triathlete who died after competing in Ironman Florida on 7 November 2006.
The focus of the case has been on the role of lifeguards and the emergency services. Rice, 35, was spotted face down in the water during the second 2.4 mile swim leg of the Ford Ironman Florida 2006 triathlon. A rescue team administered CPR at the scene. However, Rice had no pulse and was not breathing when he was taken to the medical tent.
Rice was then resuscitated but remained unconscious. He underwent three cranial operations but never regained consciousness. He died on the Tuesday morning. Rice’s autopsy cited that the cause of death was accidental drowning.
Plaintiffs for Rice’s family argued that the triathlon failed to have adequate safety measures in place. They say lifeguards and ambulances were too far away, and contend that the event may not have had the required number of emergency personnel on-hand.
According to the plaintiffs, one lifeguard was required for every 50 participants and, as there were more than 2,000 participants, there were supposed to be 44 lifeguards, 35 watercrafts, and 42 kayaks on hand during the swim leg of the race.
According to a deposition heard in court, race organisers could not say if the event met the requirement because the documentation was not available. The case continues.
