To properly relax, swimming in a natural environment (lake or river) is often recommended. Indeed, thanks to its ecosystem, this natural environment refreshes the body and relaxes it effectively. In this way, you can easily find your serenity. But, swimming in a lake or a river is not without consequences. These two environments present risks that require you to be careful.

Swimming in Lakes or Rivers: Risk of Infection

Swimming in lakes or rivers often differs from swimming in a pool. The natural environment represented by lakes/rivers presents many dangers you will not see in the artificial environment (swimming pool). As a first danger, you should know that lakes or rivers are highly infected. Indeed, the water of this environment is often contaminated by algae, industrial and domestic waste. Since it is never treated, this water becomes impure and compromises your health.

Thus, by bathing in lakes or rivers, you can suffer from several diseases such as legionellosis, gastroenteritis, dermatitis, and infections of certain body parts (eyes, ears, throat). You can also be a victim of bilharzia. In critical cases, these different diseases can become more complicated and worsen your condition. So, based on these facts, you should understand that it would always be wise to be careful before jumping into lakes or rivers.

Swimming in Lakes or Rivers: Risk of Drowning

The risk of infection is not the only danger you face when swimming in lakes or rivers. In addition to these risks, you can easily drown in these waters. Indeed, lakes or rivers are still quite deep, even if they are not very deep. So, it would be tough not to sink when you are an amateur swimmer. In this case, the risk of drowning is very high. But, even if you know how to swim well, you should know that lakes or rivers often have powerful water currents.

So, when you have no information about the river you are swimming in, it is very likely that you will drown if the water rises. If the water currents are not so strong, you will be able to get out and guarantee your survival. But, if not, you must be aware that you risk losing your life because these waterways are rarely monitored. Therefore, it is always necessary to be careful when swimming in rivers or lakes.

Swimming in Lakes or Rivers: Risk of Encountering Wild Animals

Lakes and rivers have always been perceived as environments with less dangerous wildlife. This assertion may be true in many cases, but it is not generalized. In reality, some lakes or rivers serve as a biotope for many dangerous species. So, by swimming in these waters, you risk encountering these species and compromising your safety. For example, in some American lakes, you may encounter alligators. These carnivores are voracious predators that can easily mistake you for their meal.

Similarly, certain lakes or rivers are home to crocodiles in Africa or Asia. Similar to alligators, crocodiles are also hazardous species for you. Apart from this wildlife class, you may also find crabs or crayfish in the lakes or rivers. Although they are not very dangerous to humans, these species can still use their claws to hurt you. When swimming, you may find traces and enough sore wounds on your skin. To avoid such situations, be very careful before going into the lakes or rivers.