What is more dangerous to swim in? A river or the ocean?

Question

I was thinking tonight, which one is more dangerous? A river which has a fast current and maybe alligators, or the ocean which has undertows and maybe sharks nearby. Which one would you swim in if forced with a choice? Just curious for your opinion.

Answer 1

I swim in both regularly, and it depends on time of year and weather conditions. The river can be treacherous after hard rains because you are not as buoyant in fresh water and have to work harder to stay afloat, and the currents are stronger when the river is full. Alligators usually don't bother anything as large as a man unless cornered.
In the ocean you get rip currents but right off the beach is generally safer because you don't have as many large rocks and holes to get caught in, unless you are swimming off a rough rocky coast. Salt water is easier to swim in because you float better, and if a wave pulls you down you pop right up. In the river the undertow can pull you down into a rocky hole and there you stay until the snapping turtles eat you up!
I'd choose the ocean every time!

Answer 2

I'd say the ocean is more dangerous than a river... alright the Amazon is a long dangerous river. Polluted as well as having those hungry little fish. The ocean had many more dangers. It's not only the sharks (by the way I don't think you'll find alligators in the ocean), but the water itself. Strange currents can take you down just as easily as a shark, or jellyfish. Rule of thumb, swim where you know it's safe to do so.

Answer 3

I would swim in a river. There is a huge vast ocean- the river is surronded by banks that if properly taught to swim aren't that hard to get too. The ocean has currents, undertows and the potential shark...

I live by the ocean and swim almost a couple times a week as well.

Answer 4

This really depends on many factors, mainly location and weather. I'd much rather swim in a clear river up in the mountains than in the middle of the ocean with sharks swarming, but on the other hand I would rather swim in the ocean just off my boat with some goggles and a snorkel than in a river in some place infested with crocodiles.

If you really get down to it, a river with a fast current could be more dangerous with a higher likelyhood of being slammed into some rocks than just floating out in the middle of the ocean.

Answer 5

Probably the Amazon river, with the piranha who could eat you as fast as a shark or alligator!

Answer 6

Well, My name is Kaylee, and it's supposed to mean something like bubbling brook. I know the meaning is closely and related and has to do with water. I am irish, so it's considered Celtic, Gaelic, Irish, etc. I think the original way is : Caileigh. But My parents named me by switching up the letters a little. Anyways, I hope I helped, good luck! (:

Answer 7

If you have kids with you, maybe it is more dangerous in river, coz there's a lot of sharp stone there, and also because of the flowing water. But you can enjoy wherever you want to but just take care of yourself....

Answer 8

I think the most dangerous thing to swim in is niether of those rather a public hot tub, which have been shown to be full of nasty bacteria (a regular cess pool). I wouldn't mind swiming in the other 2, just don't ask me to get into a public hot tub.

Answer 9

Ocean would be more dangerous - they have more sea creatures to grab you, sting you, bite you, plus the rips can pull you under and take you further away, the waves crash onto you smashing your body around
River has currents mainly - but where I live crocodiles too that are maneaters

BEWARE

Answer 10

OK so what does that have to do with Abraham Lincoln? Did he swim with the fishes? I swim in the river.