Comments on: How swimming illegally can land you in hot water (or worse !)

By: TheAthletesLawyer » Rehab to Racing open water swims; a new, safe swimming alternative for Northern Virginia Triathletes and long distance swimmers

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 17:15:08 +0000

[...] Swim LEGALLY with Rehab to Racing this summer (R-L) Coach Mary Delaney, Rob Colburn & Dr. Keith SaylorSupervised open water swim opportunity for Northern Virginia Triathletes and long distance swimmers. Learn techniques to help you in open water triathlons and swimming races. These sessions can really give you a “leg up” on your competition and help you feel more “at home” in the lake, river, pond and ocean swims that host multi-sport events this time of year. Better to learn in a legal setting than have to learn to do the “perp walk” later ! (See post on “Illegal swimming can land you in hot water” [...]

By: Doug

Doug — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 06:39:30 +0000

Peter: Great questions. “The Speedo 5″ paid a fine much smaller than that allowed under the statute; did some great community service (cleaning the W&OD Trail); and, did not serve any jail time. Trinergy in Sterling, has unfortunately closed. And yes, in Virginia, the defense of “Assumption of the Risk,” eliminates many claims for injuries arising out of Sports event participation. I agree there should be a way for experienced athletes to use the natural bodies of water in Northern Virginia, when accompanied by a kayak or other “escort.” Even holding more regular “clinics” could assuage local lake associations and, at the same time, provide a safe venue for swimmers outside of competitive events, to hone their skills.

By: Peter DeWeese

Peter DeWeese — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 18:08:40 +0000

So what happened to the swimmers? Were they fined? Which store closed its doors?

As far as worrying about liability, isn’t there an assumed danger? I would like to see a way in which swimmers could use common resources for training similar to boat permits. Perhaps a very simple permit requiring a few simple qualifications, some rules, and most importantly, a liability waiver.