For generations, children across Spain have faced the dreaded wait of an hour or two after eating before being allowed back into the pool. However, what if our mothers and grandmothers were mistaken? What if it’s all just an urban legend, and there’s no real issue at all? Let’s delve into what science has to say about this matter.
In the past, questioning the wisdom of our parents may not have been common. But in today’s world, with easy access to the internet and scientific studies, there’s nothing stopping us from seeking the truth. As the pool beckons us every weekend, we yearn to know whether we truly need to continue waiting for digestion to be complete or if it’s merely a misconception.
It all comes from the 60’s
As one can imagine, life, beliefs, and scientific knowledge in the 1960s were vastly different from today. Society, during that era, possessed a sense of innocence. It was during this time that the American Red Cross released a report emphasizing the importance of not allowing children to swim after eating. This is believed to be the initial mention of this topic, which subsequently spread through the media.
However, even in the 1960s, various studies were conducted that refuted any connection between stomach cramps, as warned by the Red Cross, and swimming after eating. Participants were observed eating at different times of the day and swimming afterward. These studies revealed that the Red Cross’s recommendation lacked scientific evidence. At most, some participants experienced mild nausea or a slight regurgitation sensation, without the severity of reflux.
Over time, the American Red Cross has updated its studies and information, aiming to mitigate the impact of the information it had disseminated in the 1960s. In their analysis titled “Eat before swimming,” which we have linked for your reference, they provide an extensive report on some of the main scientific studies conducted on the subject. This allows individuals to draw their own conclusions based on the available information.
It is a myth
The viewpoint of the American Red Cross, as expressed in their 2013 study, completely changes the perspective. They state that there is no evidence linking eating before swimming to an increased risk of drowning. The only related symptoms mentioned are abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting, but nothing severe enough to cause death. Importantly, they also clarify that recommendations regarding the quantity, timing, and type of food to consume before swimming cannot be based on scientific evidence.
Their study concludes with a definitive statement: “Currently available information suggests that eating before swimming is not a risk that contributes to drowning and can be dismissed as a myth.”
Another study, conducted by the International Life Saving Federation, examines various tests conducted between 1960 and 2013 and reaches a similar conclusion. They explore published papers and studies and conclude that there is no recognized or significant danger. They further state, “There is no study, medical or aquatic safety organization that recommends waiting before swimming after eating.”
Therefore, while parents ultimately have the final say, it appears that we should start abandoning this practice that has caused unnecessary distress among children. It is important to note that potential pain or nausea may depend on the type, quantity, and timing of food consumed. However, there is no evidence to suggest that there is a risk of drowning from experiencing a stomach cramp. In any case, children should always be instructed to seek help if they feel unwell in the water and, above all, to exit the pool promptly.