One of the many questions top-of-mind for event directors is water safety and Triathlon Business International (TBI), has announced the panellists in its event director-track discussion about this topic at the 2014 TBI Conference in Marina del Rey, California, on 26-28 January.
Bonnie D Ford, ESPN Olympic sports and enterprise reporter; Captain Danny Douglas, Venice Beach Lifeguard Operations; Dan Ingalls, President and founder of the National Marine Safety Center; and Event Director Bill Burke of Premier Event Management will be talking about:
- What plans, protocols and/or initiatives are needed to protect race participants during the swim;
- What logistics are required to reduce risk;
- What responsibilities do the participants have regarding preparation and fitness; and
- How do you assess the risk inherent in the swim location, whether open water, river or bay.
The panel will be moderated by Charlie Patten, founder of Rev3 Triathlon.
Responding to the increased discussion about water safety in triathlon, ESPN and a team of reporters led by Ford produced the ‘Outside the Lines’ feature story Trouble Beneath the Surface this past October that investigated the growth of triathlon as a sport and the corresponding increased number of deaths.
The report found that of the total 52 deaths from 2007 through to mid-October 2013: 44 people died during or immediately upon exiting the swim leg; seven deaths were the result of bike crashes; and one occurred in the run.
According to the story, ‘Much of the safety debate within triathlon has previously focused on the athlete’s duty to be fit and prepared for the singular risks of open-water swimming: physical contact, variable conditions, murky water and no walls. But the profitable influx of new participants and explosive growth in events puts more of an onus on race organizers and the governing body to prove they are acting responsibly, too.’
In addition to being responsible for swimmer safety on Venice Beach, Captain Douglas works with the event staff of the Herbalife Triathlon Los Angeles providing lifeguard support to the more than 2,500 participants in the Pacific Ocean during the swim segment of the race.
Dan Ingalls’ National Marine Safety Center was launched in 1992 in order to provide hands-on aquatic rescue and boat handling courses for public safety agencies and the general public. And, as an event director, Burke has produced duathlon and triathlon regional, national and world championships for both USA Triathlon (USAT) and the International Triathlon Union (ITU).
With this diverse panel coming at the subject from different perspectives, event directors and other TBI conference attendees will have an opportunity to explore the issue and ask questions.
From Ford’s perspective, “Extensive research, interviews and on-site reporting over the last year and a half have convinced me that many triathlon participants and race directors alike underestimate the challenges of open water swimming.”
She added, “I found frequent disconnects between optimal preparedness and safety planning and what actually happens on race day. The explosive growth in the sport obligates everyone involved to meet the highest standards.”
The TBI conference will be packed full of information and opportunities for everyone involved in the business and sport of triathlon. Some of the other activities for this year’s TBI Conference include:
- Keynote speakers Anita DeFrantz, Jack Caress, Travis Tygart, Gary Roethenbaugh, Thom Richmond
- Three event director-track panels
- Eight general session panels
- Speed networking – one of the most popular sessions at previous conferences
- Technology demonstrations
- F.I.S.T. bike fit demonstration by Dan Empfield
- ACTIVE X Workouts; running, cycling trails; swimming at Mother’s Beach outside the door of the hotel
- Hospitality events, including the Competitor Group Welcome Reception
- The ACTIVE Network Awards Celebration including announcement of top retailers, top manufacturers, top triathlon events, best triathlon article, best triathlon photograph and the male and female Ron Smith Award winners
- New Triathlete’s Choice awards for best races voted by the triathlete community
Conference dates, location and costs:
- Date: 26-28 January 2014
- Location: Marina Del Rey Marriott – Marina del Rey, California
- Cost: Triathlon Business International members – US$575 (Until 7 January 2014 with the Holiday Savings Special)
- Non-members – US$750 (Until 7 January 2014 with the Holiday Savings Special)
Registration includes all conference events, meals and one ticket to the Awards Celebration. Non-member registration includes a 1-year TBI membership.
Conference details and online registration are available online.
Triathlon Business International (TBI) is an industry organization dedicated to promoting the sport and the business of triathlon. Founded by a coalition of industry leaders, TBI advocates for the interests of triathlon businesses, provides educational and informative programs, and encourages increased participation in the sport.
