Local triathlete dies at GC

Ugh!  How horrible ... isn't this the third person that has died on this swim course in the last two years (Gulf Coast 08, IMFL '07 and IMFL '06)?  That said, I do not think it is the location as it is a relatively easy swim.

I looked up Patrick at a couple local races and he was an experienced athlete, having done GC and Tugaloo in the past.

Thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Don't think you are the only "dork" here - this is BT not ST ... which I think is the best thing about this site.  Triathlon is a sport that focuses on the single person, but it does not mean that it is singular.

Pass along the information when obtained, friend.  Truly a sad, sad situation.

I think wanting to help someone who is struggling during a swim makes you a decent human being.

However, if you encounter a swimmer who appears to be struggling or failing, it is very important that you do not get close enough for them to grab onto you because now you are part of the problem. A drowning or panicked swimmer will latch on and you'll both drown. The best thing to do is immediately call over a lifeguard/kayaker and alert them to the potential problem. That is what they are there for. If you don't call them over right away and try to assist the other person instead, then you may quickly lose the ability to call for help. Best to call for help immediately.

If you must take action AND you are very strong swimmer, try to make eye contact, reassure the swimmer that help is on the way, and keep telling them to just tread water. If they move towards you, move away. Stay calm. You must be able to remain calm under extreme circumstances. If you start freaking, they will freak even more. I know very few people who could risk the proximity and chance of being used as a human flotation device, so please be very, very careful if you see someone flailing about.

Safety caution aside, this is very, very sad for his family and friends. What a tremendous emotional roller-coaster to go from excitement and elation about the event, to absolute loss.

You never know when it's your time, but, personally, I'd like my time to be when I am doing what I love.

I actually heard that it was a heart attack from a friend of his familys and that he had heart disease in his family and had been warned not to let his heart rate get too high.