Why do I feel more comfortable swimming in the ocean when the water is dirty than when it is somewhat clean?
It seems that when the water is cloudier and I can't see my arms; I don't think about what else could be in the water. But when I can see a little bit, I get nervous about sharks and sea lions and other fun things that might bump into me.
Parents
Former Member
I was wondering last night, why I feel more nervous swimming off beaches I haven't been before even if they are clearly safer than where I usually swim. Somehow there are terrible currents or strange beasts in the placid water with 2 ft swell and many lifeguards that will get me long before the 10ft breakers and moving rips on a stormy day at my own beach! I get more jelly fish stings per mile swum, more rips more big waves and bumps by wildlife at "home" but the nerves won't listen!
-rb
I was wondering last night, why I feel more nervous swimming off beaches I haven't been before even if they are clearly safer than where I usually swim. Somehow there are terrible currents or strange beasts in the placid water with 2 ft swell and many lifeguards that will get me long before the 10ft breakers and moving rips on a stormy day at my own beach! I get more jelly fish stings per mile swum, more rips more big waves and bumps by wildlife at "home" but the nerves won't listen!
-rb
