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Original poster

Is a small cut dangerous to swim in the sea with?

105 replies

PattyDuckface · 09/08/2024 21:30

So, there's not much more to add to the title apart from "please help, and give me advice".

I am on holiday in Italy and my child got a cut on their toe from stubbing it. Some blood but the pain subsided after 20 minutes.

Now my DH is saying it's dangerous to swim in the sea with a cut. He thinks our child must not swim until it's healed, which will totally ruin our holiday as it is 37 degrees here.

I had no idea about this being dangerous and I checked it out online but was surprised to read that there are dangerous bacteria in the sea and swimming with a cut is not recommended.

Can anyone clarify this. The cut he has is very small, it's not a wound.

OP posts:
mytuppennyworth · 12/08/2024 05:41

EBearhug · 12/08/2024 02:03

Why would you be more concerned about human sewage? It is documented because it is under control of water authorities, and they are monitored to ensure they are disposing of sewage properly.

But they don't. The fines aren't a deterrent. Surfers Against Sewage exists for a reason.

But my point is all other marine life is pooing into the water anyway, whatever the water companies are doing

bluecomputerscreen · 12/08/2024 08:36

run offfrom agriculture is also often contaminated with nasty bugs like e-coli.

Wishitwasstraightforward · 12/08/2024 10:28

@mytuppennyworth marine life pooing etc into the water is all part of the ecosystem and not an issue in general. It is completely different to huge amounts of untreated human poo, wee, and waste water being dumped into waterways which other than the obvious is full of chemicals, plastics. Sanitary products, hormones and other enormously damaging substances.

I don't want to sound preachy or arsey but wanted to point this out. I realise that some people may be more bothered by the situation than others. As an open water swimmer, surfer and dog walker who lives by several rivers this is something that I am passionate about. But I genuinely believe it has a major knock on effect in so many ways for all of us, outside of the fact that we do all have a responsibility to look after our environment.

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mytuppennyworth · 12/08/2024 11:37

Wishitwasstraightforward · 12/08/2024 10:28

@mytuppennyworth marine life pooing etc into the water is all part of the ecosystem and not an issue in general. It is completely different to huge amounts of untreated human poo, wee, and waste water being dumped into waterways which other than the obvious is full of chemicals, plastics. Sanitary products, hormones and other enormously damaging substances.

I don't want to sound preachy or arsey but wanted to point this out. I realise that some people may be more bothered by the situation than others. As an open water swimmer, surfer and dog walker who lives by several rivers this is something that I am passionate about. But I genuinely believe it has a major knock on effect in so many ways for all of us, outside of the fact that we do all have a responsibility to look after our environment.

Sure, all that is really important, and I am not saying it isn't. All I am saying is that even in the absence of human sewage contamination, sea water is full of bacteria, and swimming with an open cut is not sensible. Disinfect it thoroughly, cover it with disinfectant, cover that with a waterproof dressing, and disinfect it as soon as you come out

immigrant002 · 12/08/2024 13:32

PattyDuckface · 09/08/2024 21:30

So, there's not much more to add to the title apart from "please help, and give me advice".

I am on holiday in Italy and my child got a cut on their toe from stubbing it. Some blood but the pain subsided after 20 minutes.

Now my DH is saying it's dangerous to swim in the sea with a cut. He thinks our child must not swim until it's healed, which will totally ruin our holiday as it is 37 degrees here.

I had no idea about this being dangerous and I checked it out online but was surprised to read that there are dangerous bacteria in the sea and swimming with a cut is not recommended.

Can anyone clarify this. The cut he has is very small, it's not a wound.

Where did he get this from ? Is completely fine sea water is actually therapeutic because of the salt ! I would be mindful of pools but not sea water
I was raised in a sunny island never heard of this !

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