SWIMMING DANGERS

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 85, 4 January 1941, Page 11

SWIMMING DANGERS

Advice Of American Expert EFFECTS OF WATER LN NOSE AND EARS Danger in swimming and bathing of causing or aggravating deafness and ear or sinus troubles, is emphasized by Ruth M. Luther, physical training director of public schools in Huntingdon, Indiana, United States of America. She gives seasonable advice to those who contemplate aquatics. “It seems hardly fair.” writes Miss Luther, “for those who love swimming to have to forego the refreshing and tonic effect of water sports because they happen to have ear or sinus trouble. However, if this is your case, the first thing to do is to seek the advice of an ear specialist as to the effect that swimming or diving may have. If lie thinks it detrimental to you, stay out of the water. If he gives his OK. 1 offer the precautions that all of us should observe if we want to stay in the swim.” These are as follows: — Avoid swimming after meals. Make sure that the water is unpolluted.

If you are a novice, confine your activities to restricted areas and shallow water. Do not over-estimate your ability. Avoid over-exertion at all times, but specially when in deep water. Avoid overlong periods in the water. Length of time should be governed by the sense of physical comfort. Always swim with a friend, who will be more alert even than a life guard to notice what happens to you. Do not go swimming when you have a cold.

Do not blow the nose while swimming. Learn correct form and technique in specific strokes best adapted to keep water out of ear and nose.

Learn how to protect tiie ears and nose while in swimming and diving. “One of the major sports of youngsters in for a swim is to start splashing water at one another,!’ Miss Luther continues. “Ducking one another is also a favourite stunt. This is most dangerous and may lead to nasal or ear infections. Other socalled fun but really vicious forms of play which should be curbed are dashing, plunging, or diving recklessly into shallow water. “One method for safety from nasal and ear infection while in the water is mouth breathing. This can be done by learning proper breathing. If the exhalation is made with the mouth open, less pressure will be needed to force the air out and it will take less time. While most of the air will escape through the mouth, some will inevitably trickle out through the nostrils but the pressure will not be great enough to force droplets into places where they may cause trouble. “For those who have had or still suffer from a sinus infection or ear involvement, swimming breaststroke is safest. In this, of course, we keep the head completely out of the water. A plug of lamb’s wool is.most helpful in keeping water out of the ear canal. If it is immersed in oil, it will give better protection for many hours. Do not plug the ear with plain cotton. It becomes water soaked immediately and then affords no protection. “In summary: First of all, don’t go swimming if your doctor advises against it. Those who have sinus or ear troubles that are no longer acute should go swimming only if they follow the precautionary measures of blocking their nasal or ear openings. It is important to breathe correctly during swimming, and this may .be readily learned by proper instruction and practice. Mouth breathing is preferred for the beginner. Only the more advanced or expert swimmer who can properly time his contact with the surface of the water should exhale through the nose. Under no circumstances should water be permitted to enter the nose or ear. Do little or no diving. Obey these rules and you may feel reasonably secure in your enjoyment of this healthful sport.”