As you may have read in the March issue of StreamLines (the USMS email communication) there are a number of changes affecting the conduct and cost of sanctioned open water swims. I would like to explain what these changes mean for Pacific Masters.

One of the most important benefits we receive as members of USMS is coverage by the organization's insurance policies. One feature of this insurance is personal excess accident coverage at USMS activities. Perhaps more important, USMS provides the liability insurance required by many of the facilities we use for workouts or competitive events. Without the USMS insurance, our ability to conduct organized practices or competitions would be severely curtailed. Last year USMS was notified that its insurance premiums would be increasing dramatically in 2013. The increase was due to a number of claims, the most serious and costly of which were related to open water events.

After researching its options, USMS agreed to an insurance policy that includes an $1,800 charge for each sanctioned open water event. The national organization will subsidize $800 of that amount with the local governing body (Pacific Masters, in our case) being responsible for the remaining $1,000.  USMS has also established a new sanctioning process along with a few other requirements for open water events. An article on usms.org provides a more detailed explanation of these changes, "Open Water Events and USMS Sanctions."  

After much consideration and discussion, the Pacific Masters Board decided for the 2013 open water season it would guarantee the local $1,000 surcharge for each event but require the event host to pay $5 per participant back to Pacific Masters. The event host will be permitted to cover its costs by increasing its entry fees for the event by $5. (Note that an open water event typically includes all swims taking place at one location during one weekend.) If you are an open water participant, this means you should expect your fees to increase by $5 per event regardless of the number of swims you actually do at the event. Stated differently, there may be a $5 increase for entry in the event but not a $5 increase per swim.

Pacific Masters open water events have an excellent safety record and we encourage all of our members to try one of these swims. While some open water enthusiasts enjoy the competition or the challenge of cold, murky water, there are many opportunities to swim at your own pace in clear, warm lake water. As a large and successful local Masters' swim organization we are fortunate that we can continue to offer a vibrant open water program.

The national and local leadership struggled with how to confront the increased insurance costs for open water events. We believe open water swimming can be an important part of the Masters' swimming experience. At the same time, we want to shield members from the costs of programs in which they do not participate. I hope we got it right. If you don't agree I encourage you to join with the members of your club to bring the PacMasters' Board your perspective.

Just keep swimming,

Peter Guadagni

Chair, Pacific Masters