Is It Okay to Drink Water While Swimming?

Swimming is a fantastic way to exercise, cool down on a hot day, and have some fun. But let’s face it, no matter how experienced you are, a little water finding its way into your mouth is almost inevitable. So, is this normal, and should you be worried?

The short answer is yes, swallowing some water while swimming is perfectly normal. Even the most skilled swimmers will occasionally get a mouthful.

However, the amount you swallow can vary depending on your technique and the swimming environment.

Reasons Why People Swallow Water When Swimming

There are several reasons why someone might swallow water while swimming:

Improper Breathing Technique: This is the most common culprit. New swimmers often struggle to coordinate breathing with their swimming strokes. They might turn their head too far, inhale too quickly, or forget to exhale fully underwater, leading to water entering their mouth.

Choppy Water: Waves or turbulent water can splash your face and make it harder to control your breathing.

Poor Body Position: If your body isn’t in a streamlined position, you’ll create more drag and disrupt the flow of water over your head, making it more likely for water to wash in.

Swimming in Natural Water: Lakes, rivers, and oceans tend to have more debris and microorganisms than treated pools. This can irritate your sinuses and trigger a swallow reflex.

Tips to Minimize Swallowing Water

While a little water here and there is okay, swallowing excessively can be unpleasant, disrupt your swim, and even make you sick.

Here are some tips to help you keep the water out:

1. Focus on Breathing Technique: Mastering your breathing is key. Practice exhaling completely underwater and turning your head just enough to take a quick breath at the side.

2. Body Position: Maintain a streamlined body position with your hips high and core engaged. This will help you glide smoothly through the water and minimize water splashing over your face.

3. Sip, Don’t Gulp: When taking a breath, don’t try to inhale a large amount of air at once. Instead, focus on a quick “sip” of air. This reduces the chance of sucking water in with the air.

4. Exhale Underwater: Make sure you’re exhaling steadily underwater. This prevents air hunger and the urge to take a big, rushed breath that might bring water in. You can even hum or blow bubbles to ensure a continuous exhalation.

5. Practice Makes Perfect: The more you practice your breathing and stroke technique, the more comfortable and efficient you’ll become in the water. This will naturally lead to less water ingestion.

Can You Get Sick from Swallowing Pool Water?

While swallowing a small amount of properly treated pool water is unlikely to make you sick, it’s still best to avoid it.

Chlorine, the primary disinfectant used in pools, can irritate your stomach and eyes, especially if you have sensitivities. Additionally, pool water can harbor bacteria, viruses, or parasites, particularly if the pool isn’t well maintained.

Here are some ways to minimize the risk of getting sick from swallowing pool water:

Shower Before Entering the Pool: This helps remove any dirt or bacteria from your body that could contaminate the water.

Don’t Swallow: It sounds obvious, but being mindful and trying to avoid swallowing is the best defense.

Report Unclean Pools: If you notice the pool looks cloudy, has an unusual smell, or seems poorly maintained, report it to the pool authorities.

Can You Get Sick from Swallowing Natural Water?

Swallowing water from lakes, rivers, or oceans is a bigger concern than pool water. These environments can harbor a wider range of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites, which can cause various illnesses like giardiasis or cryptosporidiosis. Symptoms can include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and cramps.

Here are some safety tips for swimming in natural waters:

• Swim in Designated Areas: Only swim in areas known to be safe and well-maintained.
• Avoid Areas with Posted Warnings: Don’t swim in areas with posted signs warning about pollution or contamination.
• Shower After Swimming: Thoroughly shower with clean water after swimming in any natural body of water.

Advanced Tricks to Stop Swallowing Water

For those looking to take their swimming to the next level and minimize water intake even further, here are some advanced techniques to consider:

• Bilateral Breathing: This advanced technique involves breathing to both sides of your body without stopping your stroke. It takes practice but allows you to keep your head lower in the water, reducing water splashing in your face.
• Sculling Drills: Sculling drills isolate your arm movements and force you to focus on head position and body rotation. By practicing head turns and breathing mechanics in a controlled environment, you can refine your technique for open water swimming.
• Open Water Gear: Swimming goggles with a wider peripheral view can help you see oncoming waves and adjust your breathing accordingly. Additionally, a well-fitting swim cap can prevent water from entering through the gap between your goggles and hair.

Other Water-Related Concerns and Risks

While swallowing water is a common concern, there are other water-related issues to be aware of:

• Dry Drowning: This is a rare but serious condition where water enters the lungs but isn’t expelled. It can occur hours after swimming, so be vigilant for symptoms like coughing, difficulty breathing, and chest tightness.
• Ear Infections: Frequent exposure to water can increase the risk of ear infections, especially in children. Proper ear drying techniques and using well-fitting earplugs can help prevent this.
• Skin and Eye Irritation: Chlorine and other pool chemicals can irritate sensitive skin and eyes. Rinsing off with clean water after swimming and using gentle cleansers can help alleviate this.

Conclusion

Swimming has many health benefits. By understanding why you might swallow water and implementing some simple techniques, you can minimize discomfort and maximize enjoyment.

Prioritize proper breathing technique, maintain good pool hygiene, and be cautious when swimming in natural water. With a little practice and awareness, you can confidently conquer the water and have a safe, refreshing swim.