What Are The Dangers Of Swimming In Rivers?

The temptation to have a quick dip in a river when it is roasting hot, and you are hiking is very strong. The cool water looks so refreshing and inviting that you do not even consider that something could go wrong. Could it really be that dangerous to swim in the river?

Rivers have strong currents and unpredictable undertows with dangerous debris that is swept along with the water. Rocks, boulders, reeds, and weeds can trap swimmers. Cold water, flash floods, and difficulties in exiting rivers make them dangerous. Furthermore, animals, insects, bacteria, and parasites pose risks.

Swimming in rivers is something people indulge in all over the world. Unfortunately, most people believe that it will 'never happen to them,' and this sentiment is likely to land them in trouble.

Is It Dangerous To Swim In Rivers?

The World Health Organization divulged that drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional and accidental deaths in the world. The percentage of drownings that occur in rivers varies across countries and climates.

Hot climates show a higher percentage of river drownings than cold climates, where drowning may occur in the home or heated swimming pools. Southern states in the US see more river drownings than colder northern states. In the US, 43% of drownings take place in natural waterways.

Hot countries such as Australia and South Africa have a high incidence of river drowning as recreation often centers around rural inland water. Poorer countries such as India and Pakistan have an increased incidence of drowning as many people cannot swim, but they bathe, wash clothes and use rivers for religious reasons.

Rivers are unpredictable in their course and change as a result of rainfall, erosion, and geological events. This can result in unexpected physical obstacles, changing river currents, and flow levels.

Across the globe, the highest incidence of river drownings occurs in young men in their teens or early twenties.

Uneven River Beds Make Rivers Dangerous

River beds are seldom uniform as layers of hard and soft rock that make up the structure of the land are eroded at different rates.

Boulders may become caught in a whirling current and "drill" the development of a deep basin in the river bed. These basins are commonly known as potholes or swirl holes. Deep areas in the river bed can occur suddenly, and there may be abnormal currents associated with them.

Large rocks, submerged debris, and underwater weeds increase the danger of rivers. Swimmers may get a foot or arm lodged in a rock and be unable to free themselves. Weeds and reeds in rivers have been responsible for many river drownings as people become entangled in them.

Mud on the river bed or banks may be sticky, and swimmers that unexpectedly get stuck in mud may easily drown. Ledges in river beds may trap swimmers, especially if there are strong currents in the area and poor visibility in the water.

Fallen trees in rivers can be obstacles to grab onto if you are being taken away by a current. They can, however, also be a potential hazard as a current could trap you in the branches or roots.

Why Is It Dangerous To Jump Or Dive Into A River?

Jumping or diving into a river is one of the leading causes of water-related accidents and permanent paralysis. If the water is muddy, you cannot gauge the depth and may hit an obstacle. Clear water can present optical illusions that result in it being shallower than expected.

Jumpers or divers may not aim correctly and hit an adjacent sand bar or obstacle, resulting in broken legs, necks, and spines. If there is no one to help, the injured person can easily drown as they may be knocked unconscious or paralyzed.

Some people like to slide or dive down waterfalls. This is extremely dangerous as waterfalls end in plunge pools. Plunge pools are deeply eroded areas at the bottom of the falls. The pressure of the falling water and strong currents in the pool can result in a swimmer being unable to surface.

River Banks Are Not Uniform

Riverbanks change according to erosion and deposition, which is influenced by rock strata in the area. The result is that the banks of the river change.

A swimmer may enter the river in an area where he can easily exit. If he follows the river upstream or downstream, he may come to a place where it is much more difficult to get out the river. A tired or injured swimmer that cannot exit the river is at high risk of drowning.

Rapids And White Water Make Swimming In Rivers Dangerous

Strong currents and rapids make rivers extremely dangerous. They are formed by uneven river bed surfaces, which result in different flow rates at different depths. The river bed may impede the flow while the surface water moves faster or vice versa.

The result is choppy turbulent water with treacherous currents that are too difficult to swim in and may pull you under the water. Many swimmers and kayakers have lost their lives in rapids as they are dragged underwater and pinned against a rock.

River confluences occur when two rivers, streams, or tributaries meet. There is a swell of water in confluences, and the powerful forces of moving water from two directions cause currents that are too strong for most swimmers.

Does The Temperature Of Rivers Make Them Dangerous?

Rivers are often much colder than swimming pools or sometimes even the ocean. The cold can cause cramping and hypothermia, which puts the swimmer at risk of drowning. Falling or jumping into icy rivers can cause shock, which means that the person cannot swim and save themselves.

What Are Flash Floods, And Why Are They Dangerous?

In certain climates and river systems, flash floods are common. A flash flood results when there is a cloudburst or significant rainfall in a region higher up the river's course. The sudden deluge causes a fast build-up of water in the river system.

Vast amounts of water move like a massive wave through the river bed, demolishing everything in its path. The water moves from higher areas to low-lying regions and can cause flooding and loss of life.

A swimmer caught in a flash flood stands little chance of survival. The swimmer must contend with the massive amount and force of the water. There are also large boulders, trees, and sometimes even cars pushed along in the water. Being hit by one of these obstacles can kill or cause serious harm.

Which Dangerous Animals Live In Rivers?

Rivers are the home of many wild animals such as alligators, crocodiles, hippopotami, river sharks, bull sharks, and large fish. All of these animals can pose a risk as they may attack swimmers.

Even smaller animals such as snakes, piranhas, and poisonous reptiles or insects can cause death through stings, bites, and anaphylaxis.

What Health Hazards Are Associated With Swimming In Rivers?

Rivers are not always clean and healthy water. They can contain toxins from algae, sewerage, animal droppings, and dead or decaying animals and plants. In certain countries, river-born organisms can cause diseases such as schistosomiasis, typhoid, scabies, and cholera.

Rivers Are Unprotected Swimming Areas

Beaches and public swimming pools are usually patrolled by lifeguards who can assist struggling swimmers. Due to increased public awareness and municipal laws, private swimming pools often have safety features such as nets and railings to prevent accidental drowning.

Rivers are seldom patrolled or protected in any way. People swimming in rivers are usually relaxed and not observant. This results in weak and struggling swimmers being unnoticed, and drownings occur quickly.

Conclusion

Rivers can be dangerous places to swim. There are many hidden dangers from both the water, obstacles in the river, animals, insects, and reptiles. Bacterial infections present a health hazard and may exist in even seemingly clean water. There is a very real risk of drowning or injury in a river. Rivers aren't as safe as they may seem. So next time you come across a seemingly cool river after a long and wearisome hike, think carefully before you decide to hop in a swim around for a bit.