from their website: http://www.winterswimming2012.com/

Dear, winter swimmers! We are saying thank you to all participants for making this event special.

source: theage.com.au

AUSTRALIA'S Olympic open water swimmers have been forced to go hunting for lane space in Switzerland after being told there is no room for them to train with the rest of the swimming team ahead of the London Games.

Ky Hurst and Mel Gorman, the only swimmers so far selected for London, were told before Christmas they were no longer included in plans for the swimming team's two-week staging camp in Manchester, which is held just before the Games.

''[Swimming Australia head coach] Leigh Nugent told us there was not enough room for the long-distance swimmers to join them on the camp … so we have to find somewhere else,'' Hurst said.

The 30-year-old, a seven-time Australian Ironman champion who was 11th in the 10-kilometre swim in Beijing and fifth in last year's World Championships, said the decision was disappointing.

''The camaraderie between the swimmers is always healthy and it's always a positive vibe and it's something I enjoyed last time,'' he said. ''I'm not sure of the reasoning behind [Nugent's] decision but he's the head coach for a reason and he's made it clear that's what is happening.''

source: dumbartonreporter

THE National Park has issued safety advice in response to the ever-growing number of people enjoying open water swimming in Loch Lomond.

To help people enjoy themselves safely, the National Park has issued the following advice:

* As you are low in the water, it can be difficult for other water users to spot you. As a result you should always wear a brightly coloured swim cap and, if possible, use a swim safety device - these are brightly coloured inflatable bags which you can tow behind you whilst swimming.

* Try to swim with at least one other person.

Why don´t take part in a swim at Mediterranean destinations? Here is a list of convincing arguments for swimmers to come over to Spain this year. These could help you to set about looking for new experiences whether you are a beginner to open water swimming or trying to go pro.

The majority of beaches are great for swimming, but nothing beats open water swimming holidays for fun. Culture Sport is dedicated to giving you access to the best each city has to offer, not only in terms of sports facilities but also by offering you a whole range of information about open water events, training opportunities or competitions that will stir your interest.

Another humorous peace by LoneSwimmer:

Steve Munatones posted a list of possible features on dailynewsofopenwaterswimming.com for a good open water swimming spot some time back.

1. Year-round conditions
2. Summer conditions
3. Abundance or absence of marine life. If marine life is known, how does the abundance or absence of sharks, dolphins, turtles, jellyfish, Portuguese man o’ war positively or negatively affect the rankings?
4. Abundance or absence of rough conditions. If rough conditions are prevalent, how does ocean swells, wind chop, large surf, strong tidal flows and currents positively or negatively affect the rankings?

source: nzherald.co.nz  by Joanne Carroll

Three families were grieving last night after a horror day on the water brought three separate drownings.

A male swimmer in his 50s died after suffering a heart attack while competing in the 2.5km Taupo Epic open water swim yesterday.

Organisers said the swimmer got into difficulty and attempts to resuscitate him by the water safety team and St John paramedics were unsuccessful.

In Tauranga, a fishing trip turned to tragedy yesterday after a 51-year-old Aucklander drowned while setting flounder nets in an estuary.

The man and a 49-year-old friend from Tauranga had been wading in thigh-deep water, setting out flounder nets near Tye Park, Welcome Bay, about 1.30pm.

A lot is happening in Argentina.

The list of participants of the 57K Maraton Acuatica Rio Coronda, Santa Fe keeps changing.

After the preliminary race on Saturday January 8 some changes where made and now after some cancelations and additions there are 27 (+ 2 reserves) swimmers left on the list.

Beachhunter created a video review of some products that he thinks will be very helpful to anyone who plays in the sea or to any first responders who encounter marine envenomations and puncture wounds from marine animals.