Anonymous
07/16/2022 14:47
Subject: Re:Why don’t Americans generally like swimming in the ocean?
Depending on where you are, there may be: jellyfish, sharks, icky stuff instead of sand, pollution, murky water, riptides, and no lifeguards.
I grew up swimming in beaches, but I’m more likely to wade in water at the beach and swim in the pool. The water is NOT clear at most of the beaches I’ve been to, and that really makes a difference. People here are more likely to swim in the ocean when they’re experienced swimmers, at a marked off beach, with lifeguards.
You don’t say where you’re from, OP, but clear, clean water really makes a difference, and that’s not what we usually get at Mid-Atlantic beaches.
I grew up swimming in beaches, but I’m more likely to wade in water at the beach and swim in the pool. The water is NOT clear at most of the beaches I’ve been to, and that really makes a difference. People here are more likely to swim in the ocean when they’re experienced swimmers, at a marked off beach, with lifeguards.
You don’t say where you’re from, OP, but clear, clean water really makes a difference, and that’s not what we usually get at Mid-Atlantic beaches.
Anonymous
07/16/2022 14:43
Subject: Why don’t Americans generally like swimming in the ocean?
OP are you at a beach? Where?
Anonymous
07/16/2022 14:43
Subject: Why don’t Americans generally like swimming in the ocean?
Good for you, not everyone is just like you. 
Anonymous
07/16/2022 14:40
Subject: Why don’t Americans generally like swimming in the ocean?
Anonymous wrote:Growing up I spent a lot of time swimming and playing in the ocean. We still vacation at the same beach I grew up visiting, but I feel like the rip currents have become stronger and more regular than when I was a child.
About 10 years ago, my brother and I (both in our 20s) had to swim out and help my dad, who was on a boogie board and couldn't navigate the current. Brother and I were both strong swimmers and it was still physically demanding for us to swim out and bring him back.
That experience, plus personally knowing a man who drowned due to a rip current recently, have really made me less interested in swimming in the ocean.
Thankfully your dad was on a boogie board and therefore not in imminent danger. I read somewhere that a floatation device of any kind (not just a life jacket) dramatically reduces risks of natural water drownings. It’s why always make my husband and kids take boogie boards, even if they don’t want to. At least if they are stranded, they won’t drown while I get help.
Anonymous
07/16/2022 14:38
Subject: Why don’t Americans generally like swimming in the ocean?
Growing up I spent a lot of time swimming and playing in the ocean. We still vacation at the same beach I grew up visiting, but I feel like the rip currents have become stronger and more regular than when I was a child.
About 10 years ago, my brother and I (both in our 20s) had to swim out and help my dad, who was on a boogie board and couldn't navigate the current. Brother and I were both strong swimmers and it was still physically demanding for us to swim out and bring him back.
That experience, plus personally knowing a man who drowned due to a rip current recently, have really made me less interested in swimming in the ocean.
About 10 years ago, my brother and I (both in our 20s) had to swim out and help my dad, who was on a boogie board and couldn't navigate the current. Brother and I were both strong swimmers and it was still physically demanding for us to swim out and bring him back.
That experience, plus personally knowing a man who drowned due to a rip current recently, have really made me less interested in swimming in the ocean.
Anonymous
07/16/2022 14:36
Subject: Re:Why don’t Americans generally like swimming in the ocean?
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.
Anonymous
07/16/2022 14:34
Subject: Re:Why don’t Americans generally like swimming in the ocean?
I like swimming in the ocean but where I go, Bethany Beach, the conditions change daily and sometimes it’s downright scary. I have been knocked over by waves many times when trying to exit the water
Anonymous
07/16/2022 14:34
Subject: Re:Why don’t Americans generally like swimming in the ocean?
I think it depends where you are. I’ve been to Hawaii a few times (different islands) and there are always lots of people swimming in the ocean.
Anonymous
07/16/2022 14:31
Subject: Re:Why don’t Americans generally like swimming in the ocean?
I love the beach but I’m terrified of the ocean. I go in for short spurts and try be brave so my kids don’t end up terrified, too. But I am actually very jealous of people who feel comfortable for long stretches in there. It’s looks like fun, I just can’t get past my fears. It’s so big, so hard to see what’s at your feet, and then the danger of rip currents, oh my.
Anonymous
07/16/2022 14:30
Subject: Why don’t Americans generally like swimming in the ocean?
What ridiculous nonsense, OP.
My husband is from Europe and has sailed extensively, raced catamarans, and free-dived to hunt his own lobsters. I'm from the same country and prefer mountain-climbing. Thank goodness we have other things in common
Anonymous
07/16/2022 14:28
Subject: Why don’t Americans generally like swimming in the ocean?
Because it has sand
Anonymous
07/16/2022 14:27
Subject: Why don’t Americans generally like swimming in the ocean?
I'm afraid of water. I can barely swim, so I don't think swimming in a place without a defined floor and things like waves and riptides is a good idea for me.
Anonymous
07/16/2022 14:26
Subject: Why don’t Americans generally like swimming in the ocean?
I think it depends on what part of the US you're talking about. But I would say -- if you're at a beach where most people are on vacation, my guess would be people are lounging because their idea of vacation is to relax rather than to exercise. Personally, I adore swimming in the ocean but I can understand that other people have different preferences (and now that I'm grown up, I definitely understand how sleeping in the sun can be a dream vacation).
Anonymous
07/16/2022 14:25
Subject: Why don’t Americans generally like swimming in the ocean?
Anonymous
07/16/2022 14:23
Subject: Why don’t Americans generally like swimming in the ocean?
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?