International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame

Federation Honored for Decades of Safety & Service

The International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame inducted the Catalina Channel Swimming Federation as an Honoree Club & Organization. We’re thrilled by the honor, which could never David Clark speaking at IMSHOF ceremony have happened without the tireless hours that volunteer observers and kayakers spend on the water to ensure the highest degree of safety. Thank you for helping play a significant role in this honor. We believe the CCSF is one of the leaders in safety procedures for marathon swimming.

The induction ceremony was held in the iconic United Nations building. On hand to accept the award were CCSF board members Linda Bamford, David Clark, Paula Selby, Carol Sing and John York. Also, CCSF co-founder Penny Lee Dean joined the group. David Clark spoke on behalf of the entire organization. He thanked the Hall of Fame, recalled the history & growth of the CCSF, and expressed what an honor it is to be among the illustrious clubs and swimmers recognized by the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame.

Already in the Hall of Fame are CCSF lifetime members David Clark, Penny Lee Dean, Carol Sing, Dale Petranech, John York, David Yudovin, and joining them at this ceremony was Anne Cleveland. Congratulations Anne, we’re proud of your accomplishments and overjoyed to see you inducted to the IMSHOF.

 

 

Paddling Escort Class in Alamitos Bay

David Clark Instructs Techniques for Navigation & Safety

David Clark has dedicated another weekend for swimmers and their kayak support to learn the skills crucial for a successful Catalina Channel swim. His free classes cover navigation, feeding, and safety support of open water swimmers. A good portion of the session is spent in the water so swimmers & their paddlers can practice their teamwork.

The session will be THIS Saturday July 9th in Alamitos Bay, which is between Seal Beach and Long Beach. The session will begin at 11 am to allow participants in the Seal Beach races (held just down the road earlier that morning) to participate in both events. The class will last until about 4 pm. RSVP to David Clark at 858.453.0648

 

 

Observers Needed for 40 CCSF Events

Among the Busiest Years, Please Volunteer Today

The CCSF safety coordinator, Paula Selby, indicates there are around 40 swims on the 2011 calendar. Due to the increased number of international swimmers, there’s an additional need for volunteer paddlers. Please contact Paula Selby and pledge your support for these Channel swimmers. The CCSF can now supply a comprehensive paddler’s checklist to swimmers & kayakers, so that the support team arrives to the docks fully equipped.

Also, with the season edging into full gear this week, Paula is confirming Observers for each of the scheduled swims. Now is the time for trained Observers to commit.

 

 

Reminder: New Rules for 2011 Season

CCSF Safety Measures Strengthened On & Off the Water

The Catalina Channel Swimming Federation looks forward to observing and celebrating many successful crossings this year. In advance, we’ve made a few significant changes to the rules. We encourage you to re-visit the rules and become acquainted with them. Please make note:

* The age limit for support crew on any swim is 14 years old. CCSF swimmers with young family members will need to make arrangements so that children under 14 can cheer from the shore.

* A companion swimmer is allowed in the water for a total of 3-hours, but in only 1-hour increments. Under these restrictions, the maximum time of a pace swim is 60-minutes. Further, that particular pace swimmer may join the CCSF swimmer for a total of 3 hours.

 

 

Swimmer’s Ear: Annual Cost $500 Million

Many Cold Water Marathon Swimmers ‘Plug the Problem’

A recent study published in the scary-sounding “Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report” found that Swimmer’s Ear is a common and costly occurrence (quote) “For swimmer’s ear, there are 2.4 million health care visits and it costs half a billion dollars in health care each year.” To no one’s surprise the incidence rate skyrockets in the summer months: June, July, and August.

Many open water swimmers complain about ear aches and chronic irritation of the ear canal. Some of that can be reduced by using ear plugs. In fact, it’s one of the recommendations to help delay the onset of hypothermia. A set of ear plugs acts as an insulator. Plugs won’t prevent hypothermia, but dozens of Catalina Channel swimmers wearing ear plugs felt as if they could tolerate cold water for longer. In addition, cold water in the ear canal may cause disorientation and vertigo.