Create a strategy for your starting position and know your optimal pace. If you're racing to place or win and feel you need to be near the front, but still have concerns, start at the left or right edge of the front line, opposite from the first turn.
For example, if the first buoy means turning right, then start on the far left of the front line. That way you'll always be on the outside, with less traffic, and will avoid all the other swimmers squeezing down into your lane as everyone approaches the turn buoy. Being comfortable and able to race your own pace is worth being the extra 10 to 15 meters on the outside.
Remember: Races aren't won in the swim and definitely not in the first 300 meters.
If you're not there to race for place, err on the side of caution. Start to the side or back, start slower and most importantly start at a comfortable pace. Otherwise you risk going out too hard and quickly, and losing your breath. Think of the first 200 to 500 meters as a warm-up if you need to and know that you can pick up the pace and get into rhythm after the initial frenzy is over. You'll be delighted by how many you'll pass later in the swim as they fade from starting too fast.