Triathlon Marine Plan in the Olympic Games and in the ITU World Triathlon Series

Abstract

Sudden death is a very rare event in triathlon, but usually affects males and most commonly in the swim section and in open water sea. Such deaths may be secondary to drowning, swim induced pulmonary edema, heat stroke, long QT syndrome, and structural cardiac abnormality, in which the diving reflex and the autonomic conflict may precipitate cardiac arrhytmias, particularly in cold water. The Triathlon Marine Plan should include the normal operations of the water safety team and the emergency action plan. The Triathlon Marine Plan has to be prepared by the local organizing committee and approved by the ITU Technical Delegate and ITU Medical Delegate.