American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Committee Scientific Review: Eating Before Swimming

Abstract

There is a persistent belief in the United States that swimming immediately after eating will cause stomach cramps, which could lead to drowning. This review surveys the scholarly literature to investigate whether any correlation exists between eating and fatal or non-fatal drowning events and to establish whether it is safe to swim after eating.

To swim or not to swim after eating: a randomised controlled crossover feasibility trial

“…There is a common belief that swimming immediately after having a meal is dangerous and might cause cramps that potentially could lead to drowning. 1 Interestingly, the World Health Organization does not mention food intake before swimming as a risk factor for drowning. 2 This narrative about the danger of swimming or playing in water immediately after eating is regarded by many as a myth.…”

“…7 A review of relevant research in the field found no direct association between food intake before swimming and fatal outcomes such as drowning. 1 The review found a few observational studies conducted in the 1960s that assessed the impact of eating and swimming after different time intervals. No effect on swimming performance or any case of discomfort with nausea or cramping were reported.…”

“…No effect on swimming performance or any case of discomfort with nausea or cramping were reported. 1 Nonetheless, to our knowledge, no randomised study has been conducted to assess the danger of swimming after eating. In order to provide background data for a future full scale randomised trial enabling sample size calculations based on proper choice of outcome parameters, we chose to perform a feasibility study.…”