Swimming is an excellent method for strengthening willpower and physical fitness, but it also has certain precautions.
1. Avoid swimming before or after meals
Swimming on an empty stomach can impair appetite and digestive function, and may lead to dizziness or fatigue during the activity. Swimming on a full stomach also affects digestion and can cause stomach cramps, vomiting, or abdominal pain.
2. Avoid swimming immediately after strenuous exercise.
Swimming right after intense physical activity places additional strain on the heart. The rapid drop in body temperature weakens resistance, increasing susceptibility to colds, pharyngitis, and other illnesses.
3. Avoid swimming during menstruation
Swimming during menstruation allows bacteria to enter the uterus and fallopian tubes, causing infections that may lead to irregular periods, excessive bleeding, or prolonged menstruation.
4. Avoid swimming in unfamiliar waters
When swimming in natural bodies of water, never enter the water recklessly. Avoid swimming in areas with complex surroundings or underwater conditions to prevent accidents.
5. Avoid prolonged sun exposure while swimming
Extended sun exposure can cause sunburn or acute dermatitis, also known as sunburn. To prevent sunburn, use an umbrella for shade after exiting the water, rest in shaded areas, cover exposed skin with a towel, or apply sunscreen to exposed areas.
6. Avoid swimming without warm-up exercises
Water temperatures are typically lower than body temperature. Therefore, warm-up exercises are essential before entering the water to prevent discomfort.
7. Avoid eating immediately after swimming
Rest briefly after swimming before eating. Eating too soon places sudden strain on the digestive system, which may lead to gastrointestinal issues over time.
8. Avoid prolonged swimming sessions
Skin typically undergoes three stages of response to cold stimulation.
Stage 1: Upon entering water, cold triggers vasoconstriction, causing skin pallor.
Stage 2: After sustained immersion, peripheral blood vessels dilate, turning skin from pale to pink and warming the body.

Phase 3: Prolonged exposure causes heat loss to exceed heat production, resulting in goosebumps and shivering.
This phase indicates a contraindication for summer swimming, requiring immediate exit from the water.
Swimming sessions should generally not exceed 1.5–2 hours.
9. Avoid swimming if you have a history of epilepsy.
Whether experiencing grand mal or petit mal seizures, a momentary loss of consciousness during an episode could lead to drowning if triggered while swimming.
10. Avoid swimming if you have hypertension.
Especially with uncontrolled hypertension resistant to medication, swimming carries a potential risk of inducing stroke and should be strictly avoided.
11. Individuals with heart conditions should avoid swimming
Those with congenital heart disease, severe coronary heart disease, rheumatic valvular disease, or significant arrhythmias should steer clear of swimming.
12. Avoid swimming with otitis media
Whether chronic or acute, otitis media worsens when water enters the inflamed middle ear, potentially leading to intracranial infections.During epidemic seasons, even healthy individuals should avoid swimming pools. 14. Avoid swimming with certain skin conditions Conditions like various types of ringworm or allergic dermatitis can trigger hives or contact dermatitis and may worsen the condition. 15. Avoid swimming after drinking alcohol Swimming after drinking depletes stored glucose, leading to hypoglycemia.Additionally, alcohol suppresses normal liver function, hindering glucose conversion and storage, which may lead to accidents. 16. Avoid neglecting post-swim hygiene After swimming, immediately use a soft dry towel to wipe off water residue. Apply chloramphenicol or boric acid eye drops and clear nasal secretions. If water enters the ears, use the "same-side jump" method to expel it.Follow with a few relaxation exercises and limb massage, or rest in sunlight for 15–20 minutes to prevent muscle stiffness and fatigue.