Is it dangerous to swim in a lake?

Question

Are there any insects or fish that one should beware of when swimming in a lake?

In France and Switzerland.

Answer 1

Depends on which area you live in.

Answer 2

I don't know of any insects or fish in a fresh water lake that will harm you. There are some rare misfortunes that have occurred; I'm thinking of a person that was snorkeling and inhaled a bee who stung him in the throat. Cover your snorkel tip with with a mesh. Most problems in lakes are from E. coil bacteria that come from from feces contamination and the " beaver fever'' giardiasis which I'm not sure exists in your area. I swim / dive (scuba) in fresh water and haven't had a problem other than ear itch which is avoided by using a 50/50 alcohol/ water mixture when you leave the water. There are commercial mixtures, but not necessary as you just want the ear channels dry so fungus doesn't can't get a favorable environment to start in. That's also why you dry your feet. If they are wet, or if they are dry: the fungus won't attach or survive; if it's the between zones ( that is wet and dry and dry and wet): that's where the damage comes. So keep it wet, or keep it dry; but not both. That's why wood boats rot out at the water line -- not above the line, nor below. Sorry I got on the fringe or completely off topic, but hey -- ask the locals where you' re at. That should be some of the cleanest water on earth ( Switzerland). I hate the chlorinated water in the pools, and only swim and dive in the Great Lakes, but there are polluted areas near industrial complexes that should be avoided.

Answer 3

flyingnuthaswings is totally right on this one- probably the most serious threat you'll face is bacteria. That's more prevalent in smaller ponds where there's farm runoff, or in areas with beavers (beavers are smart at a lot of things, but they crap in the water supply... bad bad bad). This is where the giardia and cryptosporidium often come from- feces from beavers and cows (and why the sicknesses are often dubbed "beaver fever"). I believe the main symptom of both is terrible diarrhea. So, ask the locals about it. If it's a big problem, some lakes may even post warning signs. If unsure, try not to swallow the water, and be sure to towel off when you get out (some other bacteria can grow on your skin & itch if you let the water dry on you). Hehe, not to scare you too much, though... these problems aren't everywhere, and even if they are in an area, from what I know you don't automatically get sick just from swimming in the water. Lots of people swim in lakes and ponds all the time- we did a lot (in lakes) when we were kids, & it was great! And for the record, from those memories I personally can't recall anyone who'd gotten any of those. Just ask around, & have fun!

Answer 4

There aren't any harmful fresh water fish. Even catfish, which can sting, stay near the bottom and away from shore. Giardia and other bacteria were mentioned, along with various forms of water pollution. Sure, there is some risk, but millions of people have been swimming, bathing, and washing in polluted water for centuries, before we even knew there was such a thing as pollution. If you're going to avoid swimming in lakes, you should also avoid breathing air, because of the risk of airborne bacteria. Concentrate your efforts toward keeping your immune system strong and avoid processed sugar and flour. If you're willing to drink a soda or eat a Twinkie, your health isn't as important to you as you say it is.

There are also some parasites carried by migratory birds that are sometimes a problem in lakes. That's just one more reason feeding wild birds is becoming illegal.

Answer 5

You could get Giardia (gee-ARE-dee-uh) as it is worldwide

I got this from swimming in a lake and felt like I was going to die for 3 days, almost like a severe food poisoning, but worse. Doctor told me not to drink water from lake, river or streams.


here are some facts from the CDC...

What is Giardia?

Giardia is a germ that causes diarrhea. Giardia is found in infected people’s stool and cannot be seen by the naked eye. This germ is protected by an outer shell that allows it to survive outside the body and in the environment for long periods of time.
Why should I be concerned about Giardia?

During the past two decades, Giardia has become recognized as one of the most common causes of waterborne illness (drinking water and recreational water) in the United States. The germ is found in every part of the United States and the world.

for more info check out cdc site below

Answer 6

To many variables, what form of canines, which lake??? Assuming the water high quality is appropriate for swimming, no it does not be the reason for the priority. The canines in my avatar swims in a lake on maximum days. If the lake is a "settlement pond" or is stagnate water, then of path your canines should not be any the place close to it, neither ought to you!!

Answer 7

i live in texas and i dont know one person who has never swam in a lake. go for it. nothings going to happen most likely. in texas thats all we do in the summer.. and we go tubin. but they seriously probably have swimming areas at the lake. i never have seen one without a swimming area. call and check it outtt

Answer 8

...Deadly piranha, leaches, polluted debree on the lakes floor, sharp rocks...nooo you should be just fine ^_^!!! But seriously why not go to your local pool and swim, lakes are so nasty.

Answer 9

It depends on which lake I guess.

Answer 10

In Texas when we had the rains and flood they found a alligator.