SOS: These signs are telling us to get out of the sea NOW!

The Greek summer is intertwined with sea. Even if we stay in the city, we have the possibility to take our baths. But sometimes it's better to stay on our deckchair, experts say. The fact that we are healthy people does not mean that our endurance is inexhaustible, nor is it a guarantee that nothing bad will happen to us while enjoying the sea. Swimming may offer physical and mental well-being, but it always requires caution. The bad habit of swimmers to fall in sea right after eating and overestimating their capabilities are the most common causes of drowning. Cardiac problems have a small percentage. Statistics also show that most beach accidents happen in the first 10 meters from the shore, because that's where we all feel we're next to land, and therefore safe.

Get out of the sea if…

... feel nauseous

If while swimming you feel sick, dizzy and tend to vomit, go to the shore immediately, because there is a possibility that the dizziness will develop into fainting and if this happens to you in the water, it is extremely dangerous. Dizziness can be caused by various factors: either because you decided to swim when you didn't feel well or because you have been in the sea for a long time and you are tired or because you have had a sunburn or because you have not taken enough fluids and become dehydrated or because you are fasting and your body exhausted or still because you fell into the sea with a full stomach. If the dizziness is accompanied by sweating, which does not often happen in the water, then it is another sign that portends fainting. At the first signs of feeling unwell, immediately ask for help from the swimmers nearby. Whatever the reason, make sure that once you get out of the sea, lie down in a shady place until you feel better.

… you have pain in some part of your body

A sudden chest pain should concern you and get you out of the water immediately, because it could be a sign of a heart attack or a heart attack. The fact that you don't have a history of a heart problem shouldn't make you rest easy, because we're all fine until we develop a problem. Therefore, get out of the sea without panic and be sure to seek medical help. You should do the same if you experience palpitations, arrhythmia and a general irregular heartbeat. When something like this happens in the sea, it is most often due to fatigue and exhaustion; in fact, if you have been swimming for a long time and vigorously, it is very likely that the rapid heartbeat is due to this. However, in any case you need to make sure. If you experience abdominal pain, it may be a cooling effect from the prolonged effect of cold water on your abdomen, but it may also be due to some kidney or biliary colic or a spastic colitis. Not infrequently, a myocardial infarction can be manifested by stomach pain. And in this case you should stop swimming immediately.

… get a cramp

A cramp is a common occurrence, which is mainly observed during swimming, in some part of our body (most often in the legs) and the seizure lasts only a few seconds. But there are also cases in which it can not only persist for a longer time, but also become generalized, i.e. extend throughout the body. So don't risk it. First of all don't panic. If the cramp is in the legs, with gentle hand movements, with frontal or supine swimming, go ashore. If the cramp is in the hands, moving your legs with supine swimming, again go to the shore.

… you have shortness of breath

Shortness of breath is a characteristic respiratory difficulty. Often people feel short of breath and need to take deep breaths to feel better. Shortness of breath can be a classic symptom of anxiety, panic, fear and intense stress, but it can also be a symptom related to heart function. Most of the time, however, the shortness of breath caused during swimming is a result of fatigue or swimming in cold water or even swallowing sea water. Whatever the reason, make sure to consult a doctor as soon as you leave the sea.

… you tremble

Shivering that manifests itself as trembling and shivering is another sign that should make you get out of the sea. It can be caused by staying in the water for a long time or by swimming in cold water. In both cases, shivering indicates that your body is starting to lose much more heat than it should, and if you don't pay attention and stay in the water for a long time, you will strain yourself so much that you may cause dizziness and vomiting. Bruised lips also indicate that you have overdone it and need to get out of the sea.

...a storm breaks out

If a storm and rough seas break out now, you should not panic, nor start fighting the waves. You should not swim against the wave, but follow its direction. In other words, let it take you without making vigorous movements, heading naturally towards the shore.