Swimming is a sport and an activity enjoyed by millions all over the world. What is normally a serene and enjoyable activity can also be dangerous. Participants can run into problems while swimming in certain settings and those problems can jeopardize swimmers' safety. Swimmers need to be aware of their surroundings and recognize hazards, and should be properly trained before jumping into any body of water.
Training
Swimming may look effortless but potential swimmers need to take lessons before jumping in. And even if they don't plan on getting into any water, people should take swim lessons in case they somehow end up in water, according to an article by Maeve Rich on the Life123 website. Swimming lessons are widely available through many local sports and recreation organizations, like city aquatic centers and health clubs. Many children take swimming lessons at a young age to enhance their water awareness.
Human Help
Swimming alone is a dangerous activity and should be avoided. Even if the swimmer has completed swim lessons and is an experienced swimmer, uncontrollable events can occur that could jeopardize the swimmer's safety. A swimmer that experiences heart problems while swimming will need assistance getting out of the water, and if swimming alone, could end up dying.
Location
Swimming pools are generally the most safe swimming areas when compared to lakes, rivers and the ocean. According to the KidsHealth website, swimmers need to use extra caution when swimming in lakes or rivers because water depths can change quickly and unpredictably. Also, there may be hidden debris like broken bottles, rocks and sticks on the floor that are not visible. Currents in rivers can be deceptively dangerous, and water temperature can be frigid in rivers that are fed by mountain snow pack.
Equipment
Some swimmers may have taken lessons but still are not experienced enough, and for them there are safety devices that help prevent catastrophe. Inflatable water wings are easy to use and help keep light-bodies swimmers afloat even when their arms stop moving. Water wings are inflatable objects that wrap around the upper arms of swimmers, typically children, and enable the swimmer to keep his head above water. Other common safety objects include goggles, which keep water out of swimmers' eyes, and nose plugs, which prevent water from being ingested.
Dangerous Combinations
Swimming under the influence of alcohol or drugs raises a swimmer's chances of drowning and should be avoided. Bally Total Fitness states that swimmers should avoid alcohol because it makes swimmers lethargic, lowers body temperature and impairs vision and depth perception while underwater. Swimming safety requires attentiveness and being aware of surroundings, so using drugs should also be avoided when swimming.
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