ORLANDO, Fla. -- Hundreds of athletes who participated in a popular Orlando triathlon Saturday were required to sign waivers notifying them of the dangers of swimming in hot lakes and were given the chance to skip the water portion of the event in the wake of several recent amoeba-related deaths.

Warnings were issued to Central Florida swimmers this month after a 14-year-old boy died of amoebic meningitis and two others died of amoebic encephalitis after spending time in lakes.

A portion of the OUC Downtown Orlando Triathlon Saturday will involve swimming through Lake Underhill which is hotter than 80 degrees.

Officials with the Central Florida Sports Commission said they have been investigating the best way to handle the situation for months.

Each participant was given a nose clip for the swim and had the option of avoiding the swim portion of the event.

Athletes also signed waivers that notified them of the chance of contracting amoeba-related illnesses in the water.

Some athletes said they were concerned but have trained too hard not to participate.

"I'm really concerned, yes, but I'm going to try to do my best to take the right precautions and wear the nose clips for sure and keep my fingers crossed," triathlete Jeff Herb said before the contest.

Swimmers who did not participate in the swimming portion of the event were not be able to qualify for awards.

The city of Orlando also recently posted a swim at your own risk signs, warning athletes of the potential danger.

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