Dave Budge: Water Safety, Risk Management and the Evolution of Mass Participation Events

In this episode, Grant speaks with Dave Budge, one of Western Australia’s most influential figures in triathlon and mass participation sport, about how water safety, risk management and event delivery have evolved over the past three decades.

As a Life Member of Triathlon WA and Race Director for more than 200 triathlons,  along with major open water swims including the Busselton Jetty Swim and the Rottnest Channel Swim, Dave brings a unique, experience‑based perspective on what it takes to safely deliver events at scale.

The conversation explores how water safety has changed over time, the increasing role of technology and data in risk assessment. we talk about how decisions around starts, formats and cancellations are made when balancing athlete safety with participant experience. Dave also reflects on lessons learned from near‑misses, evolving expectations and the pressure of decision‑making under real‑world constraints.

Beyond logistics and safety, the episode touches on inclusion, women’s participation and the broader impact of mass participation events -not just on athletes, but on communities and the sport itself.

This is a reflective, behind‑the‑scenes look at the complexity of delivering safe, fair, and memorable open water and triathlon events — and what three decades of experience can teach us about the evolution of mass participation sport.

You can find out more about the events Dave runs at https://www.theeventteam.com.au/

This interview was recorded on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar. I acknowledge the Noongar people as the Traditional Custodians of these lands and waters and pay my respects to Elders past and present.