Sonar safety system installed in Jinshan
Source: Agencies |
July 19, 2011, Tuesday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
ATHLETES competing in the open water events at the world championships in Shanghai will be monitored by a high-tech sonar safety system, a response by local organizers to the death of American Fran Crippen in the United Arab Emirates last year.
The system involves an overlay that covers the entire 2.5-kilometer rectangular course, sending out a ping once every second.
Two sonar machines that cover 720 square meters each can span the entire course, according to Ronnie Wong of Hong Kong, chairman of the technical open water committee for swimming governing body FINA, who had the idea of installing the system.
An operator sitting on top of the system can clearly see anyone falling under the surface. "If they see the color changes they'll know right away that someone or something is sinking and they can send divers there right away," Wong said.
Each machine costs US$150,000, and Wong asked local organizers to purchase two machines by convincing them that they could sell them to organizers of future races. "Sonar has been in use for shipping for many years and I used to work in shipping."
Crippen, a six-time US national champion, died in October near the end of a 10-km marathon World Cup event in warm temperatures. No one noticed him slip beneath the surface and his body was not found until two hours later.
Racing in Jinshan City Beach opens today with the women's 10-km event. Water temperatures have been reported near the newly recommended limit of 31 degrees Celsius.
The venue is located about an hour's drive from Shanghai.
Coaches were informed of the sonar system at a team meeting yesterday.
"It sounds like a great idea," said US coach Jack Fabian. "Anything to keep track of people is a good idea."
Fabian, who was at the race where Crippen died, said the route for improved safety in open water is by securing "surveillance and rescue." He would like to see standards for lifeguards at races.
An independent task force appointed by FINA to investigate Crippen's death reported in April that "inadequate surveillance and safety measures made it difficult, and at times impossible to recognize and act upon an athlete in distress."
FINA will evaluate the sonar system after the open water competition concludes on Saturday.
The system involves an overlay that covers the entire 2.5-kilometer rectangular course, sending out a ping once every second.
Two sonar machines that cover 720 square meters each can span the entire course, according to Ronnie Wong of Hong Kong, chairman of the technical open water committee for swimming governing body FINA, who had the idea of installing the system.
An operator sitting on top of the system can clearly see anyone falling under the surface. "If they see the color changes they'll know right away that someone or something is sinking and they can send divers there right away," Wong said.
Each machine costs US$150,000, and Wong asked local organizers to purchase two machines by convincing them that they could sell them to organizers of future races. "Sonar has been in use for shipping for many years and I used to work in shipping."
Crippen, a six-time US national champion, died in October near the end of a 10-km marathon World Cup event in warm temperatures. No one noticed him slip beneath the surface and his body was not found until two hours later.
Racing in Jinshan City Beach opens today with the women's 10-km event. Water temperatures have been reported near the newly recommended limit of 31 degrees Celsius.
The venue is located about an hour's drive from Shanghai.
Coaches were informed of the sonar system at a team meeting yesterday.
"It sounds like a great idea," said US coach Jack Fabian. "Anything to keep track of people is a good idea."
Fabian, who was at the race where Crippen died, said the route for improved safety in open water is by securing "surveillance and rescue." He would like to see standards for lifeguards at races.
An independent task force appointed by FINA to investigate Crippen's death reported in April that "inadequate surveillance and safety measures made it difficult, and at times impossible to recognize and act upon an athlete in distress."
FINA will evaluate the sonar system after the open water competition concludes on Saturday.
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