by 
jangobean
ANSWERS: 5
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No. It's an urban legend created by nervous moms. Yes you can get cramps, but they are not life threating. From what I read, there are NO deaths attributable to swimming too soon after eating.
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Once again, this is something that my Mom told us growing up. It is not true that eating before swimming will make you drown. However, you could get sick and throw up if you go in too soon on a full stomach.
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It does slow down your digestion. If jumping into very cold water (such as a pond or stream in the summer) you are prone to cramping that can cause serious muscle cramps, therefore throwing up, but then too... legs and arms cramp and guess what, your heart is a muscle too. I think the "old wives tale" is true, but was fit for the days of running down to the river and jumping in on a hot day... I lost a Great Uncle from that.
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I've gotten BAD cramps for getting in the water too soon after eating. Obviously I didn't drown but I was in shallow water. I imagine my cramps could have impaired my ability to get back to shore if I'd been far out. That and the fact that I'm a poor swimmer.
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Well lets put it this way, eating heavy meals causes cramping when in water..have you ever had really bad cramps when in water? If you haven't I can tell you it can be a very scary experience especially when you are a distance from the side.. Severe cramping under water makes it difficult for some to get out.. Other than cramps no the chances are unlikely unless you have an heart attack..
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