- Swimming in the light rain can be safe if you take some precautions.
- Make sure the weather is not too cold before you go swimming.
- Check for lightning in the area, and get out of the water if you see it.
- Be aware of your surroundings, and don’t swim too far from shore.
- If you start to feel cold, get out of the water and warm up as soon as possible.
Swimming in the rain always seems more tempting than when the sun is out. As per research studies, swimming is one of the physical activities that improve stamina, mental health, and physical health and helps you lose weight. But the question swimming in the rain, is it safe? Is it equally beneficial?
To be precise, experts and trainers do not advise swimming inside a pool or open water in the rain. Before jumping into the pool, you should know some dangers of swimming in the rain. This post will also discuss what you should consider before swimming in the rainy open water.
Why Isn’t Swimming During Heavy Rain Recommended?
Swimming during heavy rain isn’t advocated because of its health-injurious effects. Below we will explain various reasons why you should avoid swimming in heavy rain and how it negatively affects the health of swimmers:
- Cool Rain Droplets Promotes Hypothermia
As anyone who has gone for a swim in the rain knows, the water can be quite cold. But what many people don’t realize is that this can lead to hypothermia. When raindrops fall from the sky, they are cooled by the air around them.
This means they can reach temperatures below the body’s normal temperature. Swimming in heavy rain can also cause exhaustion, as the body has to work harder to stay warm.
As a result, it is important to avoid swimming in heavy rain, especially if the water is already cold. If you are caught in a storm, get out of the water as soon as possible and warm up with some blankets or dry clothes.
- Higher Risk Of Lightning In The Area
Lightning is one of the leading causes of weather-related deaths in the United States. Despite this, many people choose to ignore the dangers of lightning and continue with their normal activities during thunderstorms.
Unfortunately, this can be a deadly mistake. Lightning can strike up to 10 miles away, so you may still be in danger even if you can’t see the lightning. It is also recorded in the past that lightning can strike as far as a 50 miles radius from its parent source.
Swimming is one of the most dangerous activities during a thunderstorm because water is an excellent conductor of electricity. Rain typically recedes to lightning, so it will be a good idea to get out of the pool if there is heavy rain or cancel your plan of swimming during rain.
- Chances Of Falling Due To Slick Surfaces
It’s been raining all day, and you’re cooped up inside. You’ve been dying to go for a swim, but you know you shouldn’t because of the increased chance of slipping and falling on slick surfaces. And you’re right- according to the National Weather Service, more than half of all weather-related fatalities yearly are due to drowning.
But what exactly makes wet surfaces so dangerous?
It all has to do with friction…
When two surfaces are rubbed together, they create friction, allowing us to walk and run.
However, when one of those surfaces is wet, the friction is dramatically reduced, making it more difficult to move around safely. So next time it rains, resist the temptation to go for a swim.
- Pollutants In Swimming Reservoirs
When it rains, pollutants carried by stormwater runoff into swimming reservoirs. These pollutants can make swimmers sick and pollute the reservoir itself. These pollutants can include anything from toxic chemicals to raw sewage and pose a serious health risk to swimmers.
To avoid getting sick, swimmers should avoid swimming during the rain. If you must swim during the rain, be sure to shower as soon as possible afterwards and wash your swimsuit in hot water.
Things To Consider For Open Water Swimming In The Rain
- Weather Conditions
The weather conditions are the first thing you should consider before swimming in the rainy open water. If the weather is too cold, it can be dangerous to swim in open water.
If the weather is too hot, you may become dehydrated more quickly. It is important to check the weather forecast before swimming to ensure the conditions are safe.
- Visibility
Before going swimming in the rain, one important factor is visibility. When it rains, visibility can be reduced significantly, making it more difficult to see where you are going.
This can be dangerous, as you may swim into something or someone you cannot see. It is important to be aware of your surroundings and to swim with a partner if possible.
- Tides And Currents
Another factor to consider when swimming in open water is tides and currents. If the tide is coming in, it can create a strong current that can make swimming difficult. It is important to be aware of the tide schedule and plan your swim accordingly.
- Waves
Waves can also be a factor to consider when swimming in open water. If the waves are large, they can create a strong current and make swimming difficult. Additionally, waves can knock you off balance and make it difficult to stay afloat.
- Your Swimming Ability
Finally, it is important to consider your swimming ability when swimming in open water. Swimming with a partner or group is important if you are not a strong swimmer. Additionally, wearing a life jacket or other floatation device is important.
What To Do If It Starts Raining While You’re Swimming?
It can be disconcerting when it starts raining while you’re swimming. The good news is that you can do a few things to stay safe and comfortable until the rain stops.
- Get To The Nearest Exit
If you find yourself in the middle of a pool with rain starting to fall, your first instinct should be to get to the nearest exit as quickly as possible.
Depending on the pool size, this may mean swimming to the edge or climbing a ladder. Getting out of the water as quickly as possible will help to reduce your risk of being struck by lightning.
- Take Shelter In A Nearby Building
Once you’re out of the water, your next priority should be to take shelter in a nearby building or car. This will help to protect you from the elements and further reduce your risk of being struck by lightning. If there is no shelter nearby, try to find a low-lying area, such as a ditch or culvert, where you can take cover.
- Change Into Dry Clothes
After you have dried off, it is time to change into dry clothes. This will help you avoid getting sick and make you more comfortable. If you don’t have any dry clothes with you, ask the lifeguard or someone else at the pool for assistance.
Conclusion
We’ve reached the end of our discussion on swimming in the rain. Is it safe? The answer is yes and no. It depends on several factors, including how heavy the rain is, what type of surface you’re swimming in, and your risk tolerance. Ultimately, it’s up to each individual to decide whether or not they feel comfortable swimming in the rain.
FAQs
1. Can Swimming In The Rain Make You Sick?
Yes, swimming in the rain can make you sick. This is because rainwater can contain bacteria and other contaminants that cause illness. Cold weather can also lead to hypothermia, which can be dangerous.
2. Is it Safe To Swim During A Thunderstorm?
No, it is not safe to swim during a thunderstorm. This is because lightning can strike anywhere, and the water can conduct electricity. If you are in the water, you are at a greater risk of being struck by lightning.
3. Can You Swim In Light Rain?
Yes, you can swim in light rain. However, it is important to be aware of the conditions and to take necessary precautions. For example, you should avoid swimming in open water during a thunderstorm. Additionally, you should also be aware of your surroundings and take care to avoid hazards such as strong currents.