What Should I Avoid Doing When Swimming?
Swimming is one of the best physical activities that provides many benefits for your body, such as strengthening your muscles, improving your cardiovascular system, and reducing stress levels. However, many people don’t know that swimming can be dangerous if you don’t follow the safety rules. In this article, we will discuss what should you avoid doing when swimming to stay safe.
Avoid Swimming Alone
Swimming alone is one of the most dangerous activities you can do in the water. If you have a medical emergency, you won’t have anyone to help you. Additionally, even experienced swimmers can experience unexpected problems like cramps, hypothermia, or getting caught in a strong current. Therefore, it’s crucial to swim with a buddy or a lifeguard nearby.
Don’t Swim Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol
Drugs and alcohol can significantly impair your judgment, coordination, and reaction time, making it dangerous to swim. In addition, swimming under the influence of drugs or alcohol can lead to drowning, as you may lose consciousness or suffer from hypothermia. Therefore, it’s advisable to avoid these substances before and during swimming.
Avoid Diving in Shallow Water
Diving is one of the most popular activities for swimmers, but it can be extremely dangerous if you dive into shallow water. Every year, many people suffer spinal cord injuries due to diving into shallow pools, lakes, or rivers. Therefore, it’s essential to check the depth of the water before diving and avoid diving into shallow water.
Don’t Play Rough or Joke in the Pool
Playing rough or joking in the pool can lead to accidents and injuries. For example, pushing someone underwater or playing chicken can cause drowning, as it’s easy to become disoriented and lose your sense of direction. Therefore, it’s advisable to play safe and avoid roughhousing in the pool.
Avoid Overestimating Your Abilities
Swimming is a great activity, but it’s essential to know your limits. Many people overestimate their swimming abilities and try to swim long distances or compete with others, which can lead to exhaustion, cramps, or even drowning. Therefore, it’s crucial to swim within your abilities and not push yourself too hard.
Don’t Ignore Warning Signs
Before entering any body of water, it’s essential to check for warning signs or flags. These signs will alert you to dangerous conditions such as strong currents, underwater hazards, or water pollution. Ignoring warning signs can lead to accidents or injuries, so it’s crucial to pay attention to them.
Avoid Swimming During Thunderstorms
Swimming during thunderstorms is extremely dangerous, as lightning strikes can occur at any time. If you hear thunder or see lightning, it’s essential to get out of the water immediately and seek shelter. Additionally, it’s advisable to wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder before entering the water again.
Conclusion
Swimming is undoubtedly an enjoyable activity, but it’s crucial to follow safety rules to avoid accidents and injuries. Remember always to swim with a buddy or a lifeguard nearby, avoid drugs or alcohol, check the depth of the water before diving, play it safe, and avoid overestimating your abilities. Pay attention to warning signs, avoid swimming during thunderstorms, and finally, always remember that safety comes first.
