Swimming After Eating and Live to Tell About It

BY OWEN MORRIS

Cameron Miller swimming strong after a meal at Winstead’s.

No matter how many doctors say it’s safe to swim after eating, millions of Americans still count the minutes from their last bite until jumping in the pool. My own relatives included.

At a family gathering some weeks ago, my aunt refused to let my cousins swim until properly digesting their food. As I tried to explain to her why that wasn’t necessary, she quickly interrupted me. “I’ve seen those articles too. But those scientists and doctors never actually get in the water do they? They just say it’s OK without trying it.”

She has a point. The NY Times article debunking the myth relies on statistical data from drowning reports. There are dozens more of articles on the subject relying on quotes from medical authorities with no first-hand evidence.

Even though my chances of drowning while trying to swim are about 50/50 no matter what I’ve eaten, I decided to take the plunge and swim after eating.