What Water Temperatures Are Warm Enough for Swimming?


What Water Temperatures Are Warm Enough for Swimming? - Swimming in the water can be refreshing and relaxing in warm temperatures. Whether you choose to swim laps at your local pool or at the lake, swimming allows for a beneficial cardiovascular workout. You should take into account the water temperature before diving in. Normally, water should be around 80 degrees to swim safely cites Boy Scouts of America.


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What Water Temperatures Are Warm Enough for Swimming?


Water Temperature


Some locations such as a home pool allow you to have more control over the temperature. This allows your preference to play a role when choosing the temperature that you swim in. Other locations such as a public pool maintain a certain temperature year round. No matter what the swimming location, some individuals may prefer cooler water and some prefer warmer. The best temperature for swimming ranges between 78 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the American Red Cross.


Hot Water


When swimming in hot water, there can be water quality issues, cites the American Red Cross. Water that is too warm may lead to stagnate; green murky water cites Boy Scouts of America. This can lead to insect infestations or diseases that are easily spreadable in such warm temperatures. For instance, the West Nile Virus is prevalent in such conditions.


Cold Water


Swimming in water that is colder than recommended may have negative side effects on your body. KidsHealth.org cites that cold water can cause your blood pressure and heart rate to rise. Furthermore, cold water may stiffen your muscles making it difficult to swim and maneuver your body, requiring you to be more careful in cold water. Last, if your body does receive a shock when entering cold water and you try scream, water may unexpectedly enter your mouth and cause you to choke cites KidsHealth.org.


Safety Precautions


You should practice safety precautions at all times, while swimming. One precaution you should take is test the depth of the water that you plan to swim in. If swimming in a pool, the depth is often labeled and can be referenced, cites KidsHealth.org. This precaution ensures that you do not dive in too shallow water. Furthermore, if you are playing in a pool, you should be careful around diving boards and edges to avoid cuts and scrapes. According to KidsHealth.org, it is always important to watch a child around water as drowning can happen within two minutes. ( livestrong.com )





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