Feeling unwell after swimming? This is what you should do

When you feel uncomfortable or unwell after swimming, it can be troubling and worrisome. However, it is usually a minor issue, and in most cases, there are solutions. In this article, we will discuss some reasons for the discomfort that occurred after swimming and how to address these issues.

Ear pain after swimming

Water can enter your ears when you swim. There are chances that it causes ear pain or infection.

If you experience ear pain, you can use ear drops or apply a warm towel to your ear for a few minutes.

If the ear pain is severe or lasts for a long time, it is recommended to see a doctor.

Itchy skin after swimming

The chlorine and other chemicals in the swimming pool may irritate your skin, causing itching or rash.

If you feel discomfort in your skin, you can take a shower immediately after swimming and use mild soap to clean your body.

Afterwards, you can apply moisturizer to your skin.

Muscle fatigue after swimming

Swimming is an excellent form of exercise, but it can also put some strain on your body, causing muscle fatigue and soreness.

To reduce these discomforts, you can warm up and stretch before swimming and cool down after swimming.

Proper rest and diet can also help alleviate muscle fatigue.

Eye fatigue after swimming

Water can cause irritation to your eyes during swimming, leading to eye fatigue and discomfort.

To alleviate this discomfort, you can use swim goggles to protect your eyes, rinse your eyes with clean water after swimming, or use eye drops to soothe your eyes.

If you feel dizzy, cold sweating and unwell

Inside the swimming pool

  • Leave the water
  • Take a sit but do not lie down immediately.
  • Loosen any restrictive clothing and keep breathing smoothly.
  • Keep calm, and take a slow and long deep breath.
  • Seek assistance from lifeguards and pool staff

Outside the swimming pool

  • Take a sit or lie down.
  • Loosen any restrictive clothing and keep breathing smoothly.
  • Keep calm, and take a slow and long deep breath.
  • Seek assistance (if possible) from passers-by
  • Seek medical consultation or call the Emergency Hotline on 999 if the condition does not improve.

Over the next 12 hours

  • Drink plenty of fluid to replenish volume loss
  • Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise or hazardous sports to prevent over-exercise of body muscles

Should you have any enquiries about the swimming course of Whampoa Sports Club, please contact us

Post Swimming Advice (pdf) can be downloaded and printed if it is useful for parents and students of swimming courses.