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Practice
safety in
the pool
By Josh Peterson
When it comes to exercise,
swimming is the cat’s pajamas.
Not only is it a whole lot of
fun, but it is as efficient as it is effective. Avoiding it should be a primary concern.
Swimming is a full-body cardio workout
that builds and tones muscle while
improving flexibility and mood. It’s low-
impact too, which is great news for folks
with joint issues or osteoporosis. Like
most forms of exercise, it has been linked
to multiple health benefits such as reduced
risk of heart attacks, strokes and falls. It’s
no small wonder then that Sun City Texas
boasts five gorgeous, onsite swimming pools!
However, swimming has several inherent
dangers, the most obvious and famous is
drowning. Young children are at greatest
risk of this; less than a third of drowning
deaths involve those above the age of
three. Adult drowning fatalities are most
often the result of alcohol abuse, seizure
disorders (usually striking in the bathtub)
and boating accidents. If you’re a sober,
healthy adult swimmer, there is little risk
from a casual dip in the pool. But if you’re
at all concerned about it, use the buddy
system. It’s always more fun to spend time
with a friend anyway.
Although drowning doesn’t pose much of
a risk statistically for adults, swimming
is still rife with danger. The dangers just
CONSIDER THESE OPTIONS
AT OUR FITNESS CENTERS:
- Mindful Aqua
M/W 1:45 p.m., Texas Drive
F 10:30 a.m., Cowan Creek
- Aqua for Balance
M/W/F 12:30 p.m., Texas Drive
- Coached Lap
M/W 11:45 a.m., Cowan Creek
30 | SUNRAYS JULY 2017
Believe it or not, drowning isn’t the greatest swimming-related danger for adults.
aren’t as, well, dangerous. Sunburn, for
instance, although not typically deadly,
does cause loads of pain and suffering.
The Mayo Clinic recommends that to
avoid a wicked solar-charbroiling, one
should stay out of the sun between the
hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. or to stick to
the shade during those times. Using a
broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or
better is a good idea and so are sunglasses
and hiding beneath a wide-brimmed hat
when not in the water.
When walking around the perimeter of a
pool, one also needs to be careful. Safety
is a priority of Sun City Texas. That’s why
all the pools here have non-slip walkways,
but not all pools outside of our community
will have such walkways. Plus, there is
always the possibility of foreign objects
being left poolside which can result in falls wish to avoid. Even clear water can seem
or stubbed toes. Keep in mind, if you’re
hauling beverages or flotation devices to
the pool, keep them well away from the
main walkways when not in use to avoid
accidents.
Bringing refreshing, non-alcoholic
beverages to the pool is absolutely a good
idea. It’s a bad idea though to bring those
drinks in glass containers. Broken glass
can wreak all sorts of havoc on tender
feet if shards fall in the pool or on the
ground. That warning aside, having
potables nearby is extremely smart
because swimming, although fun, is still
exercise, the kind that will most assuredly
cause you to sweat. Thing is, when you’re
swimming, you won’t feel yourself sweating
because you’re already all wet. Many
unfortunate swimmers have experienced
the ironic embarrassment of being
dehydrated while surrounded by water. If
you experience weakness, dizziness, dry
mouth, palpitations, confusion, fainting or
increased thirst while swimming, you’re
possibly experiencing the symptoms of
dehydration. Grab a plastic sports bottle
and fill it with a cold, bracing liquid before
your next swim and sip from it regularly.
Another thing to remember especially if
you’re swimming in a murky lake or river
is to always enter the water feet first.
Diving headfirst into shallow water can
cause head and spine damage, a fate most
deeper than it actually is.
There may be no better exercise on the
planet than swimming. It’s a practical,
full-body, low-impact workout that can
challenge a world-class athlete or a world-
class couch potato. No matter the fitness
level, safety should be a top priority before
going for your next swim.
Always consult with your doctor about
health concerns or before beginning an
exercise regimen.
ONLINE: SCTEXAS.ORG