It goes without saying that water safety is of paramount importance, especially when dealing with young children. Here’s the rundown on three swimming hazards that don’t get nearly as much attention as they should.
Chlorine Reaction
An over-chlorinated pool can cause eyes to become red, swollen, and itchy after swimming, but that’s not the worst of it. Some individuals might suffer from allergic reactions, with symptoms that range from painful skin rashes to difficulty breathing. According to The Nest, for respiratory issues, treatment generally involves allergy medication or the use of inhalers. Showering immediately after leaving the pool can also help to alleviate milder symptoms. If you’ve tested the pool water and found that the chlorine content is too high, remove all floaters and tablets or turn off the chlorinator until the levels return to normal. For outdoor pools, leave the cover off and the water undisturbed for at least two hours before swimming.
Swimmer’s Ear
Swimmer’s ear, the layman’s term for a bacterial infection in the outer ear canal, is an occupational hazard for anyone who spends a lot of time in the water, although it’s entirely possible to get it on dry land, too. According to Gardens Cosmetic Center, swimmer’s ear is very common in children, though it can affect anyone of any age. A good test for swimmer’s ear is if you can wiggle or put pressure on the outer ear without pain or discomfort, then it’s probably not swimmer’s ear. If you suspect that you or your child is suffering from swimmer’s ear, seek medical attention. Treatment generally involves antibiotic drops, sometimes accompanied by prescription pills, and is required in order to prevent the infection from spreading.
Shoulder Pain
Frequent, vigorous swimming can lead to soreness in the neck and shoulder region, particularly if the swimmer has been out of practice for some time. According to Complete Tri, rotator cuff tears and tendonitis are common concerns for those who swim competitively. Recreational swimmers, however, might be less attuned to the warning signs. To avoid any type of repetitive-motion injury, engage in a brief warmup session before hitting the water. This is good advice no matter what the form of exercise might be. For swimming, focus on loosening up the neck and upper shoulders.
While no sport can ever be deemed 100 percent safe, it always helps to be armed with advanced knowledge of the difficulties that can arise, particularly when water is involved. Keep an eye out for signs of the problems we’ve mentioned, and you’ll be one step ahead.
It’s not only important to know how to protect yourself from injuries while swimming but also to protect yourself and your family around water in general. Check out these water safety tips!