Anita Alvarez was in danger of drowning after losing consciousness at the world championships in Budapest.
The swimming world's governing body voted to restrict transgender athletes from elite women's competitions.
"Many times, they've made bad decisions... but this is a good decision."
The stand were supported by 71 percent of voting nations at a FINA conference.
But others aren't so sure...
Global body FINA's policy passed with 71 percent of the vote.
"I was more concerned as to if I would ever be able to race again".
There have been at least 30 water-related deaths since the beginning of December.
There are calls to subsidise swimming lessons for all school kids to lower the death toll.
