Practicing Swimming, Beneficial But Better Safely

When we talk about swimming we refer to both the pool and the sea, since in both areas we can present problems if we are not careful enough

Do you want to encourage yourself to practice swimming? This discipline is perhaps the most complete and enjoyable exercise, but its practice carries certain risks. The waves, the currents, the depth and the lack of oxygen are factors that can harm us in an environment that is not within our entire domain: the aquatic environment.

In 2016, at least 437 people died from drowning in Spain alone. We are talking about a fairly high mortality statistic that affects children and adults almost equally. However, the idea is not to deprive ourselves of swimming, but to create adequate safety conditions to be able to enjoy it.

Tips for Safe Swimming

As we already mentioned, it is not about depriving ourselves of the benefits of this sport. Rather, it ‘s learning how to take the right steps so you don’t have to go through scares or emergencies. In the following space we share a series of tips to keep in mind.

Bathing alone is not recommended

Many water accidents culminate in drowning because the victims are not supported during the emergency. An arm that supports us, or the arrival of help on time, will make everything a simple scare.

Therefore, it is advisable to make groups of at least three people to practice swimming on the beach. This is a priority when it comes to children, heavy adults and people who do not master swimming techniques.

Active surveillance of children

The correct thing is that parents and other relatives enter the water when the children of the house do. If not, it will be essential to maintain an active and constant eye surveillance  to act in case of any emergency.

In addition, it is always necessary to set certain limits to the smallest and call them to prevent the tide from dragging them to the bottom.

Beware the depths

Deep in the sea, the waves are higher and the ocean currents occur more frequently. This, of course, greatly increases accidents. Therefore, it is best to set limits to enjoy these types of environments.

Swimming after eating

There is no conclusive scientific evidence linking practicing swimming with full digestion to the occurrence of medical emergencies. However, there are cases of people who tend to suffer internal complications when they perform physical activities minutes after consuming a meal.

Learn to swim

The idea is that a large part of aquatic accidents occur because their victims cannot swim. For sure, not mastering the proper technique will give us less ability to respond and maneuver during an accident.

Going to great depths and not knowing how to swim means entering an environment that we do not master and in which we have less chance of survival. It is advisable to attend classes and advance little by little while we learn to stroke.

Measure the terrain

There are swimmers who enter rivers and beaches without weighing the terrain with due prudence. Really, recklessness in seas and oceans is one of the worst decisions we can make, even if we master the technique of swimming.

It is best to touch the bottom little by little to know the depth level and what comes next. Having this attitude will allow us to detect some ocean currents and stop to appreciate how far we are from the shore.

Use of floats

Floats or “sleeves” help you float without the need for any physical force. Its function is to keep us above the water and reduce the risk of involuntary drowning.

We know that children should use them even if they can swim proficiently. However, the elderly and people with temporary disabilities should use them as well, to avoid unnecessary risks.

Be careful with holding the air

Completely immersing yourself and seeing the bottom of the aquatic environment while holding your breath can be attractive, fun and an experience for young and old. The important thing is not to do it for long periods or at great depths.

A simple mistake could cause us to swallow water and block our airways completely. The chances of something going wrong are considerable, especially if it is a minor.

Watch out for the deep end of the pool

Although it may not seem like it, there are still people who drown in a swimming pool. Two minutes may be enough for a child’s lungs to collapse from uncontrolled entry of water.

For this reason, parents must ensure that their children do not pass unattended into the deepest reaches of the pools.  If we cannot see the bottom from the outside there will be reasons to be alarmed.

However, if we take these measures into account, we can practice swimming and enjoy the aquatic environments without major problem.