Avoiding the Most Serious Swimming Injuries and Accidents

The Dangers of Swimming: Avoiding Worst Case Injuries

Swimming is often regarded as one of the safest and most beneficial exercises. However, while the risk of injury may be lower compared to high impact sports like football or hockey, accidents can and do happen in the pool. Being aware of potential hazards, following pool safety guidelines, and taking preventative measures can help reduce your chances of sustaining serious injuries while swimming.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Diving headfirst into shallow water is one of the leading causes of tragic and life-altering spinal cord injuries. Sudden impact with the bottom can lead to bruising, nerve damage or even paralysis. Always check water depth before diving in. Refrain from horseplay near pools. Wearing a lifejacket is recommended if you plan to jump from heights like a bridge or cliff.

The cervical and lumbar regions of the spine are most vulnerable to damage from hyperextension or hyperflexion. Use caution when executing flips, twists and turns. Enter the water vertically whenever possible. Ask experienced swimmers for advice on proper diving form and technique.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Striking your head on the pool floor, walls or lane dividers can trigger a concussion or more extensive traumatic brain injury. Loss of consciousness, headache, dizziness, nausea and confusion are common symptoms. Seek emergency care if they do not subside quickly.

Be vigilant in watching young children or weak swimmers who may be at greater risk of accidents. Do not participate in roughhousing or chicken fights. Check for adequate padding on pool edges and barriers. Work on treading water skills to avoid sinking if fatigued.

Near Drowning

When water fills the airways, it interferes with breathing and restricts oxygen flow to the brain. Even a non-fatal drowning incident can have lasting repercussions like memory problems, learning disabilities or pneumonia.

Inactive supervision is never acceptable. Weak swimmers and non-swimmers should utilize lifejackets. Maintain constant eyes on children. Do not become distracted. Pair inexperienced swimmers with stronger counterparts. If you begin to struggle, roll onto your back and paddle to safety.

Muscle Strains

While swimming depends more on technique than strength, overusing certain muscle groups can still lead to painful strains and tears. Common injury sites include the shoulder, lower back, groin and hamstrings.

Build up workout intensity gradually over time. Warm up and stretch adequately before entering the pool. Take the time to perfect all four strokes to avoid overutilizing any single muscle. Listen to warning signs from your body and take breaks as needed. Refrain from pushing through sharp or intense pain.

Lacerations and Contusions

Scrapes, scratches and bruises are common minor swimming injuries, especially in crowded recreational settings. Collisions occur due to lack of spatial awareness or dangerous behavior. Steps, ladders, drains and pool hardware can also inflict damage.

No running or roughhousing. Pay attention to surroundings. Streamline form to take up less space. Always look before changing direction or reversing swim patterns. Check for abrasive surfaces and pad hardware accordingly. Exit pool immediately if water becomes crowded or rowdy.

Sunburn

Many hours training in an outdoor pool without protection makes swimmers prone to painful sunburns and increased skin cancer risk. Water reflects UV rays, intensifying exposure.

Use broad spectrum SPF 30+ waterproof sunscreen. Reapply at least every two hours. Wear UV protective swimwear, visors and goggles. Stay hydrated. Limit peak sun time workouts. Monitor skin for irregular moles or changes.

Ear Infections

Bacteria can become trapped in the ears after swimming, leading to painful infections. The primary culprit is pseudomonas aeruginosa. Symptoms include itching, redness, discharge and muffled hearing.

Wear well-fitted earplugs when swimming to form a waterproof barrier. Keep head above water to avoid pressure changes. Dry ears thoroughly with towel after exiting pool. Never put foreign objects in ears to scratch an itch. See a doctor for prescription antibiotic drops if infection occurs.

Chemical Conjunctivitis

Chlorinated water can irritate the tissues around the eyes and cause pink eye if it collects under goggles against the conjunctiva. Rubbing eyes between pool and shower exacerbates this. Symptoms include stinging, puffiness, excessive tear production and light sensitivity.

Purchase good quality goggles that seal tightly to your face. Wash out eyes promptly after swimming. Avoid contact lenses while in pools when possible. Do not use old makeup which breeds bacteria. See an optometrist if symptoms persist or worsen.

Hot Tub Rash

Hot tubs with inadequate disinfectant levels can harbor a nasty parasite called Pseudomonas folliculitis. Entry points include hair follicles and small cuts. Look for an itchy red rash with small raised pimple-like bumps.

Shower before hot tub use to avoid introducing contaminants. Check chlorine and pH levels frequently. Wash swimsuit after each use. If a rash appears, avoid hot tubs until it clears. Topical benzoyl peroxide can help hasten healing.

Plantar Warts

The damp floors around swimming pools provide the perfect environment for contagious plantar warts to thrive. Caused by viral infection, they manifest as small lesions on the bottom of the feet. Paring them with razors or nail clippers can lead to spreading.

Wear flip flops or pool shoes instead of going barefoot near pools and locker rooms. Resist picking at lesions. Have them treated professionally through freezing therapy instead. Disinfect floors regularly. Avoid direct contact with existing warts.

Swimmers Shoulder

Repetitive overhead arm motions during freestyle and butterfly strokes can inflame tendons in the shoulder joint. Pain usually starts gradually and worsens without rest. Typical warning signs include limited range of motion and localized soreness.

Rotate stroke style frequently. Build gradual foundations without overtraining. Learn proper stroke mechanics to avoid strain. Strengthen shoulder muscles in the weight room. Allow ample rest between intense practices. Consider physical therapy if chronic issues emerge.

Knee Cap Injuries

Breaststroke kicks place substantial strain on the knee joints. Improper technique such as excessive external rotation can lead to painful injuries. Signs include swelling, instability, popping noises and reduced mobility.

Keep knees shoulder width apart during kicks. Work on flexibility prior to attempting wider frog kicks. Point toes outwards no more than 30 degrees. Maintain body alignment and avoid twisting. Listen to feedback from coaches and trainers to perfect form.

Shin Splints

Shin splints result from inflammation of connective tissues alongside the shinbone. Runners are frequent sufferers, but shin pains are also common amongst swimmers from dolphin kicks. Symptoms include swelling, soreness and bruising.

Improve flexibility in ankles and hips. Rotate kick styles frequently. Considerations supportive braces or kinesiology tape. RICE treatment (rest, ice, compression, elevation) can aid recovery. Rest adequately between intensive practices.

Hyperventilation

New swimmers eager to perform breath holding repetitions often hyperventilate beforehand. This overoxygenation creates a false sense of comfort underwater and can actually lead to shallow water blackouts.

Never force extended breath holds, especially alone. Progress slowly in a controlled, supervised manner. Ascend and take a breath at the first sign of discomfort. Learn to recognize pre-blackout symptoms like lightheadedness or numbness. Stay calm and exhale slowly if overwhelmed.

Prevention Is the Best Medicine

While the potential for injuries may seem daunting, safe swimming simply requires awareness and precaution. Follow pool rules, put safety first, and avoid reckless behavior in groups. With some common sense, swimming can remain an extremely beneficial and rewarding lifetime activity.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.