Many people confuse swimming with exercise, thinking that swimming is an easy way to get in some physical activity. While swimming is a sport that benefits both body and mind, it is not quite as easy as it seems at first glance. There are many different ways that swimming can be beneficial for your health, but also some risks that you need to be aware of. In this article, we will discuss the various health advantages of swimming as well as some of its risks, so that you can decide if it’s right for you.
How Does Swimming Help With Weight Loss?
One of the major advantages of swimming is that it’s a total body workout. Every stroke you make is important and helps to strengthen your whole body. Also, the fluid resistance of water helps to increase your heart rate. All of these factors make swimming an excellent option for weight loss. If you’re looking to shed some pounds, swimming can be an ideal activity to help you reach your goal.
Even better, swimming is an activity that can be enjoyed by everyone. You don’t need to be particularly strong to swim, and even the smallest humans can take part in swimming lessons. As a result, most people can join in the activity, which makes it much more accessible. If you’re searching for an activity that you can easily include in your routine, swimming is a great choice.
Risks Of Swimming
While there are numerous health benefits to swimming, it’s not quite as easy as it seems at first glance. There are several potential risks associated with swimming. Here we will discuss some of the major ones:
Choking Risk
When someone swallows large amounts of water while swimming, it’s called water swallowing or water choking. It happens when your airway is blocked by the excess water, preventing you from taking a breath. In most cases, this happens because you either swallowed some water accidentally or on purpose, which makes you more susceptible to choking. It is extremely rare, but it has occurred. If you’re prone to choking, you must be extremely careful when swimming. Make sure that your mouth is always clear of any obstruction and that you always take a breath before entering the water. Also, always carry a whistle or a horn with you, so that you can easily be heard if you’re drowning. If you think that you’re going to choke, then you should probably refrain from swimming until help arrives.
The above scenario is extremely serious, but it’s also something that can be easily avoided. If you know that you’re going to choke when you swim, then you must practice caution. The best thing to do is to sit down on a mat or towel, placing a cushion under your head. This will raise your head above the level of the water and prevent any accidental swallowing of water. It’s also important that you learn how to swim with your mouth open. This will help prevent any obstruction and make it easier for you to get air in case of an accident.
Cuts & Bruises
Anyone who has ever watched an episode of “MythBusters” knows that there is no safety gear when it comes to underwater adventures. This is because water is practically a guarantee for cuts and bruises. There have been numerous cases of individuals swimming with swimming goggles on and getting themselves into trouble. The most common cuts and bruises happen at the nose, chin, and ears, as a result of hitting the surface of the water or other swimmers. There is also the risk of getting ear infections from swimming with ear protection, as the water flowing in the ear can be an excellent breeding ground for bacteria and fungus.
The issue with these injuries is that they can be quite painful. This is probably why people choose to wear protective gear in the first place. However, it’s not quite as effective as one would think. Just because you’re wearing gear doesn’t mean that you’re protected from all risks. The best way to avoid getting injured is by learning how to swim. This is particularly important if you are already prone to ear infections. Make sure that you practice in a nice, calm body of water with no dangerous currents or hidden underwater obstacles. Also, learn how to swim regularly, as this will increase your awareness of danger and help you avoid injuries when swimming.
Heat Stroke
If you’re a frequent swimmer, then you must be well aware of the risks associated with overexposure to heat. This is particularly relevant if you participate in competitive swimming, as your body heats up rapidly. The best way to avoid heat stroke is to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and frequently wash your mouth out with water. If you feel that you’re beginning to struggle with overheating, then you need to step out of the pool immediately. Lie down in a cool, shaded place and raise your body temperature until you return to normal. Heat stroke can be very dangerous, particularly if it’s not treated promptly. It can lead to disease, organ failure, and even death.
The above tips should help you learn how to swim safely. Remember, though, that even the most careful swimmers can still suffer from the occasional accident. Just because you’re practicing caution does not mean that you will escape unscathed. Everyone, no matter how experienced, needs to take a break from swimming at some point. After all, it’s not possible to avoid all injuries while enjoying the activity. All you can do is prepare yourself for the occasional accident that might occur while swimming. This is a definite plus of the activity, as it forces you to be smart and attentive, preventing you from being harmed in any way. It also helps build your character.
Overall, it’s essential to remember that just because some people avoid injury while swimming does not mean that the activity is risk-free for everyone. Even the most careful swimmers can still suffer from the occasional accident. It is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to activities like swimming, which can provide so many wonderful benefits for your health and quality of life if you but remember to practice caution.