Editing Ironman Triathlon (section)

==Swim Smart Initiative==
In 2013, Ironman piloted the "Swim Smart Initiative" in North America and brought with it some notable safety-related changes to the Ironman format. These changes included new rules regarding swim course formats, water temperature regulations, pre-swim warm-ups, wave starts, and additional rescue boats/watercraft (paddle boards, kayaks, etc.). The Swim Smart Initiative also introduced "resting rafts" so that athletes may leave the water to rest without being disqualified.<ref>{{Cite web|title = IRONMAN Introduces SwimSmart Initiative in North America|url = http://www.ironman.com/triathlon-news/articles/2013/05/swimsmart-initiative.aspx#axzz3r8HrdLTv|website = IRONMAN.com|access-date = June 24, 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190520083749/http://www.ironman.com/triathlon-news/articles/2013/05/swimsmart-initiative.aspx#axzz3r8HrdLTv|archive-date = May 20, 2019|url-status = dead}}</ref> Andrew Messick, CEO of the World Triathlon Corporation, wanted the Swim Smart Initiative to ease the stress of the open swim and allowing athletes to be confident in the swim. Removing the "mass start" and conducting a "roll start" has been one of the major changes the organization has made.<ref>{{cite web |title=WTC CEO Andrew Messick on Ironman Swim Changes |url=https://www.triathlete.com/events/wtc-ceo-andrew-messick-on-ironman-swim-changes/ |website=Triathlete}}</ref>