Buzz
Diving into a lake or the ocean may seem like the perfect way to beat the heat, or perhaps you prefer enjoying the waves with a peaceful, leisurely swim. Just try not to dwell on what’s lurking beneath the surface, and remember to wear your life jacket.
Even the most seasoned swimmers can tire out, and suddenly the open water becomes a hazardous place. Pushing yourself too hard could leave you unconscious or too weak to make it to safety, and a rescue is often too far to reach in time.
Moreover, when we step into open water, we often forget that we’re entering the territory of wild creatures. Oceans, lakes, and rivers are the homes to various animals that have been known to attack humans. Open water swimming is riskier than most people realize, and here are 10 accidents that will make you reconsider swimming in open water this summer.
10. Amy Martich Drowns During the NYC Triathlon
Amy Martich was a skilled swimmer who grew up competing on her high school swim team in Crystal Lake, Illinois. She spent her summers working as a lifeguard. Tragically, in 2011 at the age of 40, she drowned while participating in the New York City Triathlon. A fellow swimmer discovered her unresponsive, face down in the water, and immediately called for assistance. She was later pronounced dead that same day at the hospital.
The loss was abrupt and devastating for her family. Amy had been such an accomplished swimmer that her family never worried about her safety in open water. This tragedy serves as a stark reminder that open water swimming can be perilous—even for the most experienced swimmers. It is a very real danger.
9. Kevin Frewen Drowns While Abalone Diving
On May 14, 2016, 57-year-old Kevin Frewen was abalone diving off the northern coast of California when he stayed submerged too long. While his friends decided to swim back to their boat for a break and some warmth, Frewen stubbornly ventured out further in search of abalone.
Frewen went out alone, which is a dangerous decision in open water. It's crucial to have a buddy while diving. His friends found him unresponsive shortly after, likely due to staying underwater for too long, causing a heart attack while submerged.
Frewen was in excellent physical condition. He ran daily, coached high school wrestling, and worked in manual labor. Despite his toughness, his determination to push through likely led to his death. It's vital to know when to stop or take a break if you’re feeling fatigued in the water—safety comes first.
8. Professional WWE Wrestler Shad Gaspard Drowns at the Beach
In 2020, the body of WWE wrestler Shad Gaspard was discovered at Venice Beach in Los Angeles, California. He had been swimming with his 10-year-old son, Aryeh, when a rip current caught him. Lifeguards managed to rescue his son, but unfortunately, Gaspard was lost to the current.
It's hard to fathom how a simple day at the beach could end in tragedy, especially when you consider his fame. We tend to believe that famous people are invincible, but the reality is they are just like us. This can happen to anyone. He was merely enjoying the waves with his son.
7. Dylan Ramsay’s Shocking Drowning
In 2011, 13-year-old Dylan Ramsay went swimming in Hilltop Quarry to cool off on a hot summer day. Tragically, he was found and declared dead at the scene. His mother shared that Dylan was an excellent swimmer and very athletic. She has since become an advocate for raising awareness about the dangers of open water swimming. Ramsay likely fell victim to cold water shock, a danger most people are unaware of.
Cold water shock can cause a dramatic increase in heart rate, which can lead to heart attacks.
His mother continues to share Dylan’s story to educate others about the perils of swimming in open water.
6. The Infamous “Jersey Shore Shark Attacks”
In 1916, Charles Vansant, a 28-year-old man, became the first victim of the notorious “Jersey Shore Shark Attacks” that occurred that summer. While swimming at Beach Haven, he was attacked by a shark. At first, people thought he was shouting at the dog he had brought along to the beach, but it turned out he was screaming in agony as the shark attacked him. His leg was severely injured, and he later succumbed to the loss of blood on the same day.
Between June 1 and 12, 1916, three more individuals were attacked at the Jersey Shore, leading to four fatalities and one injury. Reports of sightings of great white sharks and bull sharks surfaced during that period, which suggests that these two species were likely responsible for the deadly attacks.
The ocean harbors perilous creatures, making it essential to reconsider casually entering its waters. Anything can happen when you least expect it.
5. Irene Chan’s Encounter with a Sea Lion
In 2018, Irene Chan had a frightening encounter with a sea lion while swimming at San Francisco's Aquatic Park. A regular open water swimmer in the area for three decades, Irene was surprised when a sea lion suddenly swam beneath her and bit her knee.
Although she survived the ordeal, Irene was incredibly fortunate. Had the sea lion struck a tendon or artery, the outcome could have been much worse. Despite their seemingly harmless appearance, wild animals are unpredictable and dangerous—after all, they're wild for a reason.
4. Fran Crippen, U.S. National Team Member, Tragically Drowns During Race
In 2010, Fran Crippen, a 26-year-old member of the U.S. National Swimming Team, was competing in an open water race in the United Arab Emirates. Despite not feeling well earlier that day, he chose to participate in the race.
While the rest of the competitors finished the race, Fran was still missing. A search was conducted, and his body was discovered near the final buoy, unconscious. It’s believed that he may have overexerted himself, leading to heat exhaustion and ultimately drowning. The water temperature was around 26.7°C (80°F), which left many swimmers struggling with heat. He was pronounced dead at the hospital shortly after being found.
This tragic incident highlights the dangers of open water swimming, even for professional athletes. Had Fran Crippen been swimming in a pool, rescue teams would have been nearby. However, in the open water, with no one around, the lack of immediate help contributed to his untimely death.
3. Bethany Hamilton’s Iconic Shark Attack
One of the most famous animal attacks in history is that of Bethany Hamilton. Her story has been documented in several films and documentaries. On Halloween in 2003, 13-year-old Bethany was surfing with a friend at Tunnels Beach, Kauai. While resting on her surfboard, a tiger shark attacked, severing her left arm. She lost 60% of her blood and narrowly survived. Fortunately, she was quickly transported to the hospital, which saved her life.
Bethany Hamilton was a nationally ranked surfer, fully at ease in the water. She had surfed at this beach many times before the attack. Her resilience and determined spirit didn’t stop her from returning to the waves. Today, she surfs alongside her husband and children.
Although attacks like Bethany Hamilton’s are extremely rare, they do happen. The ocean is a perilous environment, so it's essential to stay vigilant and cautious when venturing into its depths, especially during the summer months.
2. The Tragic Death of George Wendt
On September 11, 2021, 73-year-old George Wendt, a high school teacher, tragically drowned during the 30th Annual Big Shoulders Open Water Classic. He was found unresponsive around the 800-meter mark of the race and was quickly transported to the hospital, where he was declared dead.
A lifelong swimmer, George Wendt's death came as a great shock to everyone who knew him. He served as the president of the Chicago Masters Swim Club and had competed in the 2018 U.S. Masters Swimming Spring National Championships. Additionally, he was honored in his high school’s Hall of Fame for his contributions to swimming.
His death was officially ruled an accidental drowning. This serves as a stark reminder of how perilous open water swimming can be, even for seasoned swimmers. It is a reminder that we should not take these waters lightly.
1. Santhosh Heddese Tragically Drowns at Kipu Falls in Hawaii
In June 2011, 35-year-old Santhosh Heddese from Irvine, California, was vacationing in Hawaii when he visited the popular Kipu Falls Swimming Hole on the island of Kauai. Known for its inviting waters, Heddese took a leap into the pool, only to be pulled back into the water by a strong current. Unfortunately, he couldn’t escape and drowned, with his body being discovered an hour later at the bottom of the pool.
Leading up to Heddese’s tragic drowning, there had been five other fatalities at the same spot within five years. This has prompted questions about the possibility of a whirlpool current in the swimming hole. Perhaps this area, while a popular tourist attraction, may not be the safest place for visitors looking to take a swim.
