What are the dangers of swimming while traveling and backpacking abroad?

What are the dangers of swimming while traveling abroad?

• Pollution: This is especially true in places where sewage systems are inadequate and there are large cities nearby or upstream. In extreme cases, you might smell or see that the water is not suitable for swimming. In most cases, however, pollution is invisible and you only notice it the next day when using the toilet or, for example, in the form of a skin rash.
• Infections: The risk of bacterial contamination is higher in stagnant water and in water that is comfortably warm (for swimmers and bacteria). If the water quality is unknown, it's a good idea to at least use earplugs to prevent ear infections.
• Obstacles: Be careful diving into the water if you don't know the depth, as you risk a broken neck and other injuries.
• Intoxication: If you have consumed alcohol, be very careful or avoid intense swimming. Alcohol and swimming have proved fatal for many a brave traveler.
• Overconfidence: in places where swimming is particularly dangerous, warning signs are often posted, which are often ignored.

What are the dangers of swimming in the sea abroad?

• Although many swimmers have a considerable fear of invisible sharks, jellyfish, and poisonous fish, drowning is by far the greatest risk of swimming in seawater.
• The majority of drownings are caused by currents. Rip currents, in particular, cause many deaths and require lifeguard rescues.
• A rip current is where waves flow back out to sea. Strong rip currents are also found, especially with large waves. The force of a rip current is greater than a swimmer can handle. Swimmers who are startled by a rip current and panic are the ones who drown. If you encounter a rip current, it's best to swim away perpendicular to the current, usually parallel to the beach. Don't worry, behind the break line, a rip current quickly diminishes in strength, and you can swim back to the beach. Surfers and sea kayakers often use the rip current to paddle leisurely through the surf.
• You can often recognize a rip current from the beach by foam flowing out to sea or slightly browner water, and often smaller waves.
• When there are many surfers and large waves, it's a good sign to inquire whether swimming is safe.
• Due to the waves and the tides, there's almost always a current along the coast. This current can move you sideways unnoticed; this is especially a problem near rocks, breakwaters, and piers. So, when swimming in the sea, regularly check the distance from these kinds of dangerous objects.
• Tip: A deserted beach is often deserted for a reason, whether it's the presence of sharks, jellyfish, sea urchins, dangerously sharp surfaces, or a strong current.
• Tip: If you're swimming somewhere where you're unfamiliar with the current or undercurrent, whirlpools can occur, the waves are very high, etc., have someone keep an eye on you on the shore and/or check with those who are familiar with the local situation.

What are the dangers of swimming in rivers abroad?

• The current, waterfalls, rough surfaces, and wild animals pose some of the greatest dangers when swimming in rivers.
• River currents are often stronger than humans. If the current catches you, try to estimate which side the current is weakest and swim in that direction. Swimming against the current is pointless; try to swim roughly perpendicular to the current.
• In fast-flowing water, try to keep your head above water and your feet in front of you. This way, you won't bump your head on unexpected underwater rocks. Keeping your feet as high as possible also reduces the risk of dangerous entrapment.
• If you end up in a whirlpool, the best exit is generally in the direction of the current; you'll essentially be thrown out.
• Especially higher in the mountains, river water is often cold. Besides hypothermia, this also poses a risk of unknowingly sustaining injuries to your feet, for example.

What are the dangers of swimming in the tropics while traveling or backpacking?

• The warm weather and often less developed sewage systems make swimming in freshwater in the tropics particularly dangerous for bacterial infections and infections with various tropical parasites, such as bilharzia and giardiasis.
• In the tropics there are several animal species that you would rather not encounter as a swimmer: hippos, crocodiles, alligators and piranhas