First Tri

Keep to the outside of the pack to have as few swimmers as possible around you.  You can start at the back so you are with the slower swimmers who will be less aggressive.

Caveat - I am quoting from what I've heard and read.  I've only done two tris - one pool swim, and one all-women's event.  The only time I was actually swum over was when I was in the swim team in high school.  It's not fun, but you do surface and just keep going.  You will catch your breath.  Stay focused.

Agree with what was said above.  If it's not a huge race and they have wave starts it really isn't that bad as you hear (at least my race wasn't)

Also,  I know that anyone that ran into me in the water (after the initial dash and splash which I avoided) was just as startled as I was and pretty much changed direction vs. swimming 'over' me. 

If you do any OWS with other people practice swimming together so it's not as startling if someone touches you in the water.  That's what my tri group did (about 10 of us all enter the water and swim to a set point as a pack) and it really seemed to help. I guess you could even do that in a pool with a few people. 

Just have as much fun as possible at your race.  It's a lot easier to stay relaxed if you are having fun

Yes. Just keep swimming. 

Don't be shy, and don't be insulted.

People will tickle your toes or slap your rear.... but they didn't mean too (probably).  Just keep swimming, try not to run into anyone and make room if you can.

The worst I've gotten is an elbow to the face.  But it was pretty minor.  I slowed down at that point because there was someone on the other side as well. 

However, if you are away from the pack a bit it shouldn't be that bad.  People getting swam over is more in the case of mass starts of the big races.

Thanks for all of the advice.   I was planning on starting at the back of the pack but i didn't think about moving as far from the outside away from the inside bouys/markers.    I will try to remember that when i line up for the start.