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Harmful Effects of Long Exposure to Warm Water Swimming

Swimming casually in warm water for a small amount of time is relaxing and may even feel luxurious. The only problem is that you're swimming as opposed to sitting in a tiny tub next to the pool. Swimming is just like any other exercise that makes you sweat and increases your heart rate. Swimming in warm water is like running in hot weather, which puts extra stress on your body and can lead to serious illness.

  1. What Warm Water Does

    • While you swim, your body gets rid of heat through your skin. If the water is warm -- 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit -- it's difficult for your body to get rid of that heat. This could lead to muscle spasms, which are involuntary contractions of your muscles. With your muscles not functioning correctly, you can experience problems as severe as lung failure. You can also develop an irregular heartbeat because your heart isn't pumping efficiently.

    Heat Cramps

    • If cramps don't go away in an hour, call your doctor.

      Swimming in warm water can cause heat cramps in any muscle in your body. The muscles most affected are usually your arms, calves, abdominals and back. Heat cramps are involuntary muscle spasms and last longer than a typical leg or side cramp while running. Muscles that are experiencing heat cramps feel firm to the touch. Heat cramps require you to get out of the water and rest for a few hours or until the cramps stop. Drink fluids and massage the area.

    Heatstroke

    • Heatstroke is a very serious and life-threatening illness that you can experience from long exposure to warm water. Symptoms include a high fever of 104 degrees Fahrenheit, confusion, personality change, rapid heartbeat, feeling lightheaded, nausea, fainting, no sweating and coma. Those who experience heatstroke need immediate help to prevent organ failure, brain, damage and death. While waiting for medical help, those who help out should put the person suffering in a shady, air-conditioned environment. Placing cold cloths on them, spraying them with cold water and giving them cold water to drink is recommended.

    Heat Exhaustion

    • Stop swimming immediately to prevent heatstroke and even death.

      Heat exhaustion is a milder form of a heatstroke, but it can get worse. Symptoms include extreme sweating, muscle cramps, feeling tired, weak, nauseous, dizzy or faint; experiencing paleness and cold, clammy skin; and a high fever of 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Symptoms like these require you to get out of the water to lower your body temperature. Find a cool environment, splash yourself with cold water and drink cold water. Remove any extra clothing that's trapping heat.

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