FINA opts for safer open water program
Open water races at the world championships will start earlier in the day in cooler, safer conditions following the death of American swimmer Fran Crippen in the United Arab Emirates last year.
Swimming's governing body, FINA, says it has changed the schedule in Shanghai in July to "create the best possible competitive environment" for athletes.
Races will start from 8-9 a.m. "to avoid the peak hours ... in relation to the air and water temperature."
FINA acted after an independent panel investigating Crippen's drowning in hot conditions recommended wide-ranging safety improvements last week.
FINA says it chose the Jinshan City Beach course for its water quality and "possibility of fully implementing" safety.