Being an open water swimmer myself, I can confirm that danger from heavy boat traffic is a valid concern especially if you are swimming across a lake. There are a few solutions. The swimmers could train early in the morning before significant boats traffic begin, and they could have a person sitting on an escort boat performing look-out duty.

If neither isn't possible, they should swim close to the shoreline. However, even experienced open water swimmers can loose their bearings and unknowingly stray farther out. This is why having some kind of lookout is prudent, even if that lookout is walking along the trail shouting out to the swimmers.

-Jonathan

On 5/31/2012 11:30 PM, Dee Fulton wrote:

Hi all. On Wednesday evenings, a small group of swimmers have been meeting at Millstone Point Beach and swimming distances in the lake as part of their training for triathlons. I know of this group because I made the acquaintance of one of the swimmers while we were both doing physical therapy at Healthworks.

Anyway, last Wednesday I was at the park and trail prepping for the nature walk and I spoke with the guard, Tom. Tom told me that he had encountered this group and told them that they could not be swimming where they were, which was toward the dam on the east side of the lake.

Any comments? Suggestions? I'd like this group to be able to continue their training, but there is a concern for their safety amongst boat traffic.

Deb/Dee
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