Is It Fact or Fiction You Need to Wait Before Swimming?
Many people have probably heard from their parents — especially moms — that you need to wait 30 minutes before entering the water. The good news is that this is a myth. There’s absolutely no scientific proof that eating just before swimming will be detrimental. The only real possibility is that some kids may be more prone to stomach cramping when swimming on a full stomach simply based on any kind of activity done right after a full meal.
Origin of the Myth
Believe it or not but the myth that you need to wait 30 minutes after eating to swim comes from the original Boy Scouts handbook. The thinking at the time was that digestion diverts blood flow to your stomach, which could reduce the amount of blood flow in your arms and legs. This could lead to not only muscle cramps but also to a reduction in swimming capability, which might even result in drowning. Thankfully, this simply isn’t something you need to worry about.
Real Precautions to Take
Now that we know you don’t have to wait before swimming after eating a meal, we should take a look at some real precautions. Here are some things you should do before jumping in the pool:
Warm-Up and Stretch
No matter what activity you’re doing, you should always warm up and stretch beforehand. If not, this can lead to muscle cramps and even more serious injuries. If there’s one place you don’t want to experience cramping, it’s while you’re under the water in your backyard swimming pool or any body of water.
Rest If You Feels Cramps
If you fail to stretch or don’t stretch enough, you could end up with a cramp at the most inopportune time. To keep yourself safe, get out of the pool and rest if you feel any kind of cramping, no matter how small. Then, take the time to stretch out your muscles a bit so that you can return to the pool safely.
Wash Before Taking a Dip
You might be shocked to learn just how much dirt, body oils, makeup, skincare products, and other such items are found in the average swimming pool. Although chlorine is effective in keeping us safe from these things, it’s always best if you reduce the number of products that make their way into the pool. You can do this by simply washing off before jumping in the water.
Don’t Forget Sunscreen
As excited as you may be to jump into the pool and have fun, the Florida sun can wreak havoc on your skin if you’re not careful. This can lead to severe sunburns and, in the worst-case scenario, skin cancer and other serious health issues. Always make sure you’re using sunscreen with a high SPF to keep you and your family safe.
Avoid Drinking Alcohol
Although it can be fun to hang around with friends while drinking at the pool, water and alcohol often don’t mix very well. If anyone is drinking by the pool, make sure that they drink moderately and — under no circumstances — let them get into the pool. Just use a bit of common sense and a degree of caution to ensure that everyone has a fun, safe time.
Contact Larsen’s Pool & Spa for New Pool Construction & Pool Remodeling
Now that you know there’s no reason to wait before swimming, this might make building a pool or remodeling an existing one even more attractive. As the best custom pool builders in Tampa Bay, Larsen’s Pool & Spa offers pool financing and multiple design options. To learn more, give us a call at (727) 786-POOL (7665) today.
