Several triathletes who took part in the Beach Blast Tri were not able to finish the race because of medical issues.
San Diego lifeguards, fire-rescue and police all responded to Fiesta Island Sunday morning.
Two participants were treated for hypothermia from the swim portion of the race, including 69-year-old Bill Arnerich of Solvang.
“I was just shaking, totally disoriented. My thoughts were fuzzy. My words were not coming out. I felt as though I was drunk,” Arnerich said.
Arnerich said his big mistake was wearing a wetsuit top and swim skin bottoms, instead of a full wetsuit.
“I thought, it’s a short swim. I’ll just brave it,” he said.
Arerich, who has been racing for nearly 40 years, said he was biking when he knew he had to quit. A fellow competitor stopped and threw a blanket over him as they waited for paramedics.
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Water temperature was around 60 degrees Sunday morning. Officials said both hypothermia cases were minor.
Meanwhile, other participants were treated after falling off their bikes. Police say a tow truck driver stretched a cable across the road; several cyclists didn’t see it and flipped their bikes.
