Amongst the different forms of exercise, swimming, whether done in the swimming pool or at sea, is an excellent rejuvenator that leaves a person relaxed and brimming with freshness. It does not make the person feel exhausted or worn out as in other forms of exercise. It is an excellent cardiovascular activity that improves the efficiency of the heart and lungs.
Swimming can be done in a swimming pool or the sea, but it makes a lot of difference between the places where one chooses to swim. A swimming pool can be used for swimming in one’s locality or at any other convenient place, but to swim in the sea one has to be extra cautious in choosing the right time, place, and weather condition. A swimming pool is not affected by weather conditions and the only precaution one needs to take is to ensure that the pool is clean and chlorinated to avoid infection of the skin and lungs. But swimming in the sea brings about a different kind of excitement in being exposed to the vagaries of nature that throws open the challenge to make way through the power of the waves and other potentially dangerous circumstances that are typically characteristic of the sea.
There are risks associated with swimming which depend on where one swims and on the safety factors in the given area. Swimming pools are generally well maintained and do not impose a serious threat to health and life especially if a lifeguard is on duty. The risk of infection and drowning is considerably reduced but a check has to be maintained in ensuring that the water filters are not clogged and the bottom of the pool is visible. Regular checks have to be made in the swimming pool so that there is no over chlorination which causes irritation to the eyes and may cause conjunctivitis. Swimming in the swimming pool is carefree and one does not need to bother as far as the bare precautions are taken and the pool is well maintained. In contrast, swimming in the sea entails its adventures and pleasures but there are a large number of risks attached by way of the power of the sea in terms of the local currents and sea conditions. There is the added risk of coral reefs which provide an added attraction for the swimmer but can have sudden changes in currents which can trap even the most capable swimmers. Swimming in the sea entails risks by way of jellyfish, sea snakes, sharks, and poisonous fish that can cause grievous injury or even risk to life. Hence, before venturing into the sea one has to check and ensure the condition of the sea and pay attention to the advice of locals concerning the safety of swimming at the given time and place.
Swimming in the sea can prove to be very unhygienic due to the practice of pumping untreated sewage which contaminates the water. The sea is not entirely safe even if it appears to be calm because of the dangers lurking within the waters. There have been instances at sea beaches of people being pulled down into the waters by man-eating sharks thus requiring that people have to be extra cautious while swimming in the sea. But swimming in the sea is more exciting and adventurous, and it is not always a big risk since sailors and locals are well aware of the safety of the sea at the given time and location. One has to wear a life jacket while swimming in the sea although it is said that it is difficult to drown in the seawaters due to the salinity of the water.