Who hasn’t heard the rule that you have to wait 30 minutes after eating to swim? It’s a rule that some follow religiously. This and other myths about swimming have a way of creeping into our belief systems. Unfortunately, many of these so-called facts can prevent you from achieving your best as a swimmer.

At Blue Buoy, we’re here to help you! Our swimming experts are here to help you improve your swimming knowledge. Below, find the top 6 swimming myths debunked:

1. Don’t Swim After Eating

Our mothers said it, so it must be true, right? Whether your caregiver warned you that you’d get a cramp and drown or that all the blood would rush to your stomach after eating, leaving your extremities without energy to swim (and again, you’d drown!), the truth is, it’s a myth.

While it’s true that some athletes may get a cramp from overeating too close to swimming time, a small snack will give you the energy you need to perform while in the water.

Most swimmers can safely enjoy a small sandwich or protein bar before hopping into the water. Keeping your blood sugar up is preferable to suffering a dizzy spell in the water due to hunger. So, don’t go out for spicy wings and then hop straight in the pool, but feel free to have a small snack ahead of time.

2. Hold Your Breath!

This may be more instinctual than anything else, but the idea that you must hold your breath underwater is a myth. It works against your natural rhythms when swimming.

Breathing out or blowing bubbles underwater is better, preparing your lungs to fill with air when you surface again. This means you won’t have to take care of an exhale and inhale when your face exits the water, as this is inefficient.

You’ll only have to practice and get used to breathing out when underwater to achieve your best swim times. Ask your coach for help!

3. Chlorine is Turning Your Hair Green

You may notice green streaks in your hair after swimming if you’re blonde. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not chlorine that causes this phenomenon. It’s copper-heavy water. Usually, the metal sneaks its way into the pool due to pipes or heater coils.

Don’t worry! You don’t have to sport green locks for life. After swimming, a mild lemon water wash or merely rinsing your hair promptly can eliminate the tinge.

4.”My Body Type Isn’t Right for Swimming”

Coaches often hear this complaint: “I’m too skinny!” or “I’m a sinker, not a floater.” These are some common phrases that people use to blame their body type when swimming is difficult.

In the animal world, yes, plenty of creatures with high body fat content allow them buoyancy in the water. However, if you look at the world’s fastest swimmers, many have very low body fat percentages. What’s their excuse?

The truth is that anyone can learn to swim with the proper technique. Building your strength, stroke technique, and ability to relax and float in water has nothing to do with your body type, so don’t worry about it!

5. You Have to Move Faster to Go Faster

This myth is partially correct. If you stroke faster, you may go more quickly. However, it’s also misleading because this is only part of the equation. Your stroke technique and length also play essential roles in your swimming speed.

Many people incorrectly put all their efforts into moving faster rather than improving their stroke. With the help of a capable, experienced swimming coach, you can refine your stroke and achieve your best times.

6. “I’m Not Sweating, So I Don’t Need to Drink Water”

Sports that don’t involve water can leave you with a glistening forehead and parched throat within minutes. Swimming, not so much. While you may feel out of breath, feeling thirsty may take a bit longer. However, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t hydrate yourself.

Your water bottle belongs beside you at the swimming pool just like it does on the sideline of the soccer field or within reach when you’re out for a jog.

When we know better, we can do better. Now that we’ve debunked these common swimming myths, you can focus your energies and efforts more effectively.

Have questions? Talk to a swimming expert at Blue Buoy Family Swim School! We’ll happily provide guidance so you can reach your full potential as a swimmer.

FAQs: Swimming Myths

Q: Is it true that you can drown if you swim after eating?

No, this is a myth. While you should avoid overeating before swimming, having a small snack before your swim can provide the energy you need to perform well in the water.

Q: Do I have to hold my breath when swimming?

No, this is a common misconception. In fact, exhaling or blowing bubbles underwater helps prepare your lungs for breathing in air when you surface again.

Q: Does chlorine turn hair green?

No, it’s actually copper-heavy water that causes blonde hair to turn green after swimming. A quick rinse with lemon water or shampooing promptly after swimming can remove the tint.

Q: Can anyone learn to swim?

Yes, swimming is a skill that anyone can learn with proper technique and practice. Your body type does not determine your ability to swim.

Q: Do I only have to move faster to go faster in swimming?

Speed in swimming also depends on stroke technique and length. Simply moving faster may not necessarily improve speed.

Q: Is it important to stay hydrated while swimming?

Yes, even though you may not feel thirsty while swimming. Proper hydration helps maintain performance and prevents potential health issues.

Q: Is swimming in cold water dangerous?

Swimming in cold water can be safe, but it requires caution and acclimatization. Sudden immersion in very cold water can lead to a shock response and heavy breathing and potentially impair your ability to swim effectively. However, if you ease into it gradually and let your body adjust to the temperature, cold-water swimming can be invigorating and even beneficial for health.

Q: Will swimming make me muscular?

Swimming is an excellent full-body workout that can tone and strengthen muscles, but it won’t necessarily make you bulky. Water’s resistance helps build endurance and lean muscle mass while promoting cardiovascular health.

Q: Is it better to breathe every stroke or every other stroke while swimming?

The breathing pattern depends on your comfort level and swimming style. Some swimmers prefer breathing every stroke to maintain steadiness, while others opt for every other stroke to enhance their pacing. Competitive swimmers often switch it up for optimal performance.