Swimming & Anemia

Despite what you might hear oil companies and certain politicians claim, the average temperature of the world we live in is increasing at a rate beyond natural cause. Increasingly common are conditions that impact us in ways more complex than can be considered in a moment.

The average temperature of the world we live in is increasing at a rate beyond natural causes. Increasingly common are conditions that impact us in ways more complex than can be considered in a moment.

Open water or ‘wild’ swimming has steadily been gaining popularity and traction as both a hobby and a competitive outlet for people all over the world. Especially since the pandemic, which saw many pools close, and beckoned swimmers to turn to natural bodies of water to get their yards in. Though how might open water swimming find itself impacted as lakes, rivers, and oceans experience the side effects of climate change?

Flooding Has Increased by an Average of 233% in the last 20 Years. Sea level has risen by 6.5 inches since 1950, nearly half of it (3 inches) has occurred in just the last 20 years. This small increase in sea level has caused on average a 233% increase in tidal flooding across the United States.

What does that mean?

• Coastal ecosystems that provide habitat for fish and wildlife, and coastal protection from storms will be gone. Rising sea levels can contaminate freshwater aquifers that provide drinking water and sustain ecosystems due to saltwater intrusion.

• Expect, as places such as Florida and North Carolina are already experiencing an increase in storms, heavy rains and strong winds.

• Disease which could be brought on by increased standing water can lead to an increase in mosquito populations and diseases like malaria and Lyme's disease.

• Contamination to our rivers, seas, oceans, and even our drinking water due to rising sea levels and increased flooding.

What Can We Do?

As they say, small steps can have big impact. Here are a few ways as swimmers we can help.

• Drive your car less! And reduce your energy usage.

• Support companies that contribute to climate change green initiatives and develop more sustainable production processes, use renewable energy sources in manufacturing and environmentally preferred or recycled materials.

• Speak out- Contact your Congressman or Senator to let them know you support environmentally-conscious laws and projects for your state.