Public and private pools enforce their own rules and regulations. Swimmers must adhere to them; otherwise, they will be asked to exit the water. But what about those arbitrary lessons friends and family espouse? Many stem from myth, as we explore in this post.

Wait at Least an Hour after Eating to Swim in the Pool

Has anyone ever told you not to swim right after lunch? Somehow, parents all over the world subscribe to this idea without it holding much merit. This myth likely came from the fact a full stomach pushes on the diaphragm. When in the water, it may seem harder to breathe as a result. While there are no real dangers in eating before a swim, you might want to avoid bell flops.

Go ahead and Drink the Pool Water

Sanitized water makes for safe swimming conditions, but it does not mean you can drink it. The chemicals used to shock a pool may not hurt when accidentally swallowed, but overconsumption can. Likewise, clear lake water contains communities of harmful micro-organisms.

Avoid Swimming If You Have Troubles with Asthma

Swimming with asthma can actually be therapeutic. It’s one of the best exercises for increasing lung function and capacity.

Hold Your Breath When Swimming Underwater

Novice swimmers mistakenly hold their breath underwater. It is better to slowly exhale when submerged to avoid a buildup of carbon dioxide. Without doing so, you will feel the effects of suffocation much sooner.

Pee in the Pool—the Chlorine Will Kill It

Chlorine kills bacteria in the water, but studies prove that when mixed with urine it can produce a bad reaction. If concentrated, it can negatively impact our respiratory, circulatory and nervous systems. This is why peeing in the pool is prohibited. Not to mention, it is unhygienic. Thankfully, chemicals now turn different colours to identify urine and let lifeguards evacuate the pool accordingly.