The Red Cross warns about the most common mistakes made when swimming in the sea, lakes, and rivers. High dives, alcohol, and sudden entry into water after sunbathing are just some of the risks threatening swimmers.
Summer heat drives people to cool off in various ways, from heading to the coast to city pools, Zagreb's lakes, and nearby rivers. However, problems arise when people don't know the basic rules of safe swimming. The Red Cross, which runs lifeguard training programs, warns of a number of dangerous mistakes that most of us regularly make.
Safe swimming is based on several fundamental rules. "It is not recommended to swim for at least one hour after a meal, nor to enter the water if you have consumed alcohol," the Red Cross points out. Jumping into water of unknown depth is extremely risky, and if you do jump, the safest way is to enter feet first, as it's impossible to know what lies beneath the surface. Any jump from a height greater than three meters is classified as dangerous and should be avoided.
Swimming near the shore, avoiding entering the water with an overheated body, and never swimming alone are additional tips. "If you find yourself in trouble in the water, it's important to stay calm, float on your back, and wave one arm for help. You should respect the instructions and signals of lifeguards, and if you notice someone in danger in the water, seek help immediately," they explain.
Although the sea may seem calm and safe, it hides numerous natural and man-made dangers. When it comes to natural hazards, areas with strong winds like the bura and jugo, passages with strong sea currents, underwater springs and vrulje, and fluctuations in sea level due to tides stand out. All of these can threaten the safety of swimmers, especially those with limited experience or unfamiliarity with local conditions.
In addition to natural factors, man-made elements such as sea entrances, steps, ramps, breakwaters, and various water toys also pose a threat. Vessels moving near or within the bathing area further increase the risk, so it is crucial to stick to marked swimming areas, the Red Cross advises.
Lakes also have their own specifics. Natural threats include poor visibility, dense aquatic vegetation that can hinder movement or cause panic, and sudden changes in water temperature. Some lakes also have reduced buoyancy due to muddy bottoms or underwater vegetation.
"Man-made hazards are most often related to how the lake was formed. For example, lakes created by gravel extraction can have sudden depth changes, steep underwater drop-offs, or submerged objects. Additional risks are posed by various structures, pontoons, facilities, and other obstacles in or near the water," the Red Cross warns. At Zagreb's Lake Jarun, for instance, swimming is only allowed at two locations.
Unlike the sea and lakes, rivers are highly dynamic, and their conditions can change very quickly depending on water levels and flow rates. This is why they are considered areas of the greatest natural risk. "Their greatest danger lies in the fact that they are extremely unpredictable, which is why water conditions need to be constantly monitored and assessed," the Red Cross says.
Natural hazards also include whirlpools, waves, undertows, and siphons-phenomena that can surprise even skilled swimmers, pulling them underwater or preventing them from escaping. In addition to natural threats, there are many man-made ones, such as dams, weirs, drains, submerged trees, structures, and other objects. The low temperature of river water poses an additional danger, as it can be significantly colder than the air even in summer, potentially leading to cold shock, cramps, or breathing difficulties. For swimming in rivers, it is recommended to use only properly equipped and supervised bathing areas.
Often after sunbathing, most of us want to jump into the water to cool off, but that's not the wisest move. "After prolonged exposure to the sun, body temperature is elevated, while water temperature is usually significantly lower. It is precisely this large temperature difference between the body and the water that can lead to health problems, which is why sudden entry into the water is not recommended," the Red Cross warns.
To reduce the risk, it is advised not to spend too much time in the sun and to cool down gradually when entering the water. Entry into the water should be gradual so the body can acclimate to the temperature difference. When deciding to cool off in the water due to heat, avoid prolonged sun exposure, alcohol consumption, and jumping upon entry.
