Why don’t Americans generally like swimming in the ocean?

[Anonymous]

I only go to the beach because my family likes to. I hate swimming. The water is filthy. You don’t know what creatures you are swimming with. At the end of the day on top of being sandy, I’m also salty. I’m the woman on the beach, under an umbrella, big hat, sunglasses and a book.

[Anonymous]

I’m and American and I like swimming in the ocean. I like to stay oceanfront and go out for a swim a couple times a day. I don’t like to sit in the sand.

[Anonymous]

10 years ago I was snorkeling and stalked by a massive bull shark. I made it back to the boat but it followed me the whole way there. I know if it had truly wanted to eat me it could have, but ever since, I haven’t stepped foot in the ocean. Way too freaked out.

I don’t swim laps at the pool because it’s boring, but I’ll splash around and play with my kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am from the mid Atlantic, no way would I ever go swimming at a local beach. Now, when I go to Florida I do go swimming, but I feel strange doing it as it was really dangerous to go swimming at the beach in NC where I grew up. Like the pp said, the US is a large country, and only a small part of it has beaches that are really safe to swim.

I grew up in SC. We swim in the ocean and I feel ok doing it because I know how to handle waves, etc. You just go out past the breakers. If a wave is about to hit you and you are deep enough,, go under it.

But I grew up hearing to never go to NC beaches because they are dangerous. The outer banks for example has cold water and dangerous rip tides. I would never vacation there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP are you at a beach? Where?

x1000000

Doubtful!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Immigrant here. I’ve noticed that Americans seem to prefer lounging by the pool or sitting out on chairs at the beach, rather than actually swimming in the ocean. If they do go in, it’s just for a short period or to get their feet wet. In my country, we actually go in deep and spend time swimming or just hanging out in the water. Why don’t most Americans do this too? I know most of you (middle class and above) learn to swim so what’s with the Pool/ Sun bathing preference?

Better question. Why do you care what other people do?

[Anonymous]

The salt irritates my genitals.

[Anonymous]

My balls are so large and buoyant that it tips me upside down anytime I'm in water.

[Anonymous]

As far as risks go, swimming in the ocean is completely unnecessary.

So why risk it?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Uhhhh. Maybe because there is better ocean swimming conditions in your country than on the east coast of the US. And what exactly is your beach sample size in making this judgement? Have you been to Hawaii or the west coast? People from the US swim in the ocean a lot in these places. I find your post quite odd.

Same! Weird post OP

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I see plenty of people in the ocean at East coast beaches. They ride boogie boards, they hit beach balls, they float on inner tubes, they jump in the waves, etc. what more do you want?

+1 I’m at the Jersey shore and there were tons of people in the water today. 72°, you could see your toes in chest high water, and lifeguards.

[Anonymous]

Because of horrifying things like these:

https://nypost.com/2022/02/16/swimmer-killed-in-sydney-shark-attack/ (I know it's Australia and incredibly disturbing)

https://www.npr.org/2020/07/28/896279753/great-white-shark-kills-woman-in-maine

Because of this:

https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2022/07/13/great-white-shark-eating-seal-graphic-photos-hunting-maine/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When I learned people pee and poop in the ocean it lost its appeal for me, especially when visiting crowded beaches with lots of families with small children. Leaky diapers, snotty noses, urine - no thanks.

I wonder all the time how people like this get through life.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Because of horrifying things like these:

https://nypost.com/2022/02/16/swimmer-killed-in-sydney-shark-attack/ (I know it's Australia and incredibly disturbing)

https://www.npr.org/2020/07/28/896279753/great-white-shark-kills-woman-in-maine

Because of this:

https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2022/07/13/great-white-shark-eating-seal-graphic-photos-hunting-maine/

Just do some research and watch Shark Week. It’s on every year sheesh.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Immigrant here. I’ve noticed that Americans seem to prefer lounging by the pool or sitting out on chairs at the beach, rather than actually swimming in the ocean. If they do go in, it’s just for a short period or to get their feet wet. In my country, we actually go in deep and spend time swimming or just hanging out in the water. Why don’t most Americans do this too? I know most of you (middle class and above) learn to swim so what’s with the Pool/ Sun bathing preference?

DCUM never lets me down with inane threads and posts. Yours is near the top! Thanks!