The Northern California Classic has partnered with the Professional Fitness Athletes’ Association (PFAA) to review and approve the “approximately” 200-300-meter swim event planned for this September’s competition.

“Knowing that we have the support of the athletes gives us confidence that we are making the right decision,” event organizer Blair Morrison told the Morning Chalk Up in an interview. “At the end of the day, without the athletes, there is no NorCal Classic…so we need to continue to work together.” 

Why this matters: This partnership comes in the aftermath of Lazar Đukić’s drowning death during Event 1 at the 2024 CrossFit Games on August 8.

Since then, CrossFit suspended all swimming events at CrossFit-licensed competitions.

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Though the NorCal Classic isn’t a CrossFit-licensed event, Morrison wanted to turn to the PFAA for approval.

“Open-water swimming has been a part of our event each of the last two years, and we felt good about our systems, [but considering recent events] we decided to put our plan in front of experts outside of our backyard to get their feedback,” Morrison said. “Once we got their seal of approval, that made the decision easier to make.”

He added: “The last thing we wanted was to appear callous in the face of CrossFit’s efforts to ensure safety measures were taken seriously going forward.”

The Details

According to NorCal Classic’s Instagram post, no more than 20 athletes will be in the water at any given time, and the swim will not follow any other physical activity in order to ensure safety.

Athletes will also be required to wear a bright-colored swim cap and a swim buoy.

Two professional lifeguards “will control the interior of the buoy line.” Paddleboarders will also control the exterior of the buoy line and maintain a 1:1 ratio with the athletes. EMS will be present on the shore

Finally, athletes will have the option to wear a life jacket “as a scaled version of the swim, or opt out of the swim entirely without disqualification.”

PFAA Event Emergency Activation and Medical Advisor Joshua Hicks approved the event’s swim safety plan.

Worth Noting

Morrison explained that they have always taken safety seriously but have increased their measures this year. 

In past years, for example, the ratio was 1.5 swimmers to one paddleboarder, which has been increased to 1:1 this year. The addition of a personal swim buoy is also new.

“This adds an additional layer of safety and peace of mind for the athlete, knowing that they have a way to rest at any point,” Morrison said. “It also makes a potential drowning even easier to avoid because anyone who falls beneath the water will remain visible.”

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The Big Picture

Morrison said that the decision to continue with their swim event this September was difficult. 

“On the one hand, you are balancing the physical test, whether it’s legitimate, safe, and necessary,” he explained. “On the other hand, you’re balancing the emotions of the athletes you’re asking to complete that test.”

Morrison knows some athletes might be hesitant to participate in his event, but he says swimming isn’t inherently dangerous. He calls it a “legitimate test of fitness that all athletes should continue to work on and improve.”

“Our community is looking for examples of how best to prevent another tragedy like this in the future,” he said. “I guess we are hoping that by setting an example of repeatable safety standards while at the same time giving athletes the option to opt out of the swim without disqualification, we are providing enough leeway for everyone to make their own decision based on what they need.” 

Ultimately, Morrison hopes that the athletes’ fears will subside once they see the lifeguards, the paddleboarders, and the buoys. The ultimate goal is for the event to become about “enjoying the competition floor and the crowds and each other.”

“That’s the place we all want to get to, and hopefully, NorCal Classic will help us take the first step,” he said.

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Featured image: @northern_california_classic / Instagram

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