The quality of the water we race and train in ...

Many people quote fear of the open water or of the cold temperature of that water as their main reason for not taking triathlon. The quality of the water on the other hand is hardly ever raised as an issue. Next year may be different. Reports of triathletes getting sick from the Dublin Half Ironman event in Scotsman’s Bay beside Dun Laoghaire and the Dublin City Triathlon in the Liffey have added fear of sickness to the list of open water fears. Some people got very sick. The sicknesses included gastrointestinal (digestive tract) and respiratory infections to ear, nose and throat complaints.

In both cases the reason given was heavy rainfall in the day before the event after a dry spell of weather; the rainfall washing various contaminants, including coliforms, into the sea and river from the surrounding area. In both cases the water quality was tested in the weeks and days before the event and found to comply with the standard of 10,000 total coliforms per 100ml of water and 2,000 faecal coliforms per 100ml of water. In order for a bathing water to comply with the Directive, 95% of samples (i.e. at least 19 of the 20 taken) must meet these standards, plus other criteria. 

Beyond testing and sharing the results with competitors, there is little more that race organisers can do. Fact is, even though water quality might be good most of the time, it can vary considerably after high rainfall events. The lesson here is perhaps to be more cautious when attending events the day after heavy rainfall. Avoiding swallowing mouthfuls of water would also help, as the more contaminants swallowed the greater risk of sickness, but sometimes this cannot be avoided.

My own experience has always been positive; even when I have swum in areas where bathing was subsequently suspended days later. I don’t know whether susceptibility has something to do with each person’s own constitution, but I take the: ‘What doesn’t kill you will only make you stronger’ view of it. I have however been sting by Jellyfish while training and racing and this is a whole different story, especially if you are not in a wetsuit.

For those worried about water quality and potential sickness after an event, the most quoted cure is a can of Coke. Many triathletes and open water swimmers swear by it. Sadly there is absolutely no scientific evidence for Coke’s supposed mysterious power to kill off potentially harmful bacteria swallowed while swimming. What you need to drink are fluids with the most bactericidal impact. These are vinegar, wine and virgin olive oil. As for cuts and broken skin, your wetsuit will protect 95% of you but you should cover all cuts and broken skin with waterproof plasters before swimming and then wash these areas after the race or use antiseptic wipes.

As for training locations, it would also be no harm to try, where possible, to swim only in areas with published and verified good water quality results such Blue Flag beaches. The locations of Blue Flag beaches are published at http://www.blueflagireland.org/