Why Do Divers Shower After Each Dive? 3 Benefits

You must have observed once the divers have impressed you with their diving skills by making all those impossible twists and turn through a three-story fall, they crawl out of the water and head straight towards the shower.

Wondering Why Do Divers Shower After Each Dive?

There is no wonder that some pools have strict instructions to shower before entering the pool, by divers do the same after coming out of the pool. Well, it is mainly because divers are usually professionals and athletes. They know how important this small step is for overall health.

Let’s find out how taking a shower after each dive helps the body.

Divers Shower After Each Dive

Shower Is Good For Muscles

A shower relaxes the muscles. Divers are advised to take a warm shower after diving to keep their muscles warm and relaxed for many good reasons.

You must have observed the difference in temperature between atmospheric air and pool water. While the temperature of air normally ranges between 68 and 74 degrees Fahrenheit, the pool’s temperature stays around 78 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

As the diver dive inside the pool, the difference in temperature can make the muscles stiff. It will prevent him or her from making all those amazing turns and twists unique to a diver’s personality.

Since no diver wants to make the muscles stiff due to the difference in temperature between the pool and atmospheric air, a warm shower immediately after diving is recommended. It helps to keep the body temperature stable, thus preventing muscle stiffness or tightness.

At the same time, if the diver has muscle cramps due to spinning and flipping in the air, a warm shower will give a huge relief.

[ Read: 5 Best Exercises to Strengthen Your Back Muscles ]

Shower Benefits Skin

Another benefit of taking a shower after diving is related to skin.

Pools are usually chlorinated as chlorine helps kill most germs and microorganisms. It kills bacteria like salmonella and E. coli and germs that cause viruses such as diarrhea and swimmer’s ear.

While it is essential to have chlorine in water, it can cause some adverse effects on the skin when present in high concentrations. Our skin is tough enough to fight off the chlorine and does not let it affect us; however, it can still cause eye irritation and dry skin.

Since it is better to be safe than sorry, divers (and everyone) are advised to take a shower after coming out of the pool.

Even if chlorine is present in low concentration, consistent swimming in such water increases the risk of melanoma- the most dangerous type of skin cancer.

Besides these harmful effects, chlorine feels sticky on the skin and glides less. Since divers have to show their capabilities through spinning and flipping while entering the water, friction of any kind can cause resistance to achieving it.

Therefore, divers are advised to shower after each dive to make the skin free of chlorine and frictionless.

Shower Is Relaxing

You can deny showering in warm water is relaxing. Sometimes it works more like therapy and keeps stress low.

When divers are in a competition, the stress level can hamper their performance. Therefore, they are advised to stay under warm water and steam for some time or enter a hot tub after each dive to relax the muscles and de-stress.

Besides, showering also gives divers the confidence and comfort of readiness for the next dive. It improves mental strength and prepares divers psychologically for their next performance.

Final Words

While it may seem little awkward watching divers heading straight to the shower after diving, the hidden benefits are promising. It helps divers boost their presentation with more zeal and enthusiasm.

However, divers should know the right temperature of the shower before entering. Staying in the hot shower for too long can raise the core temperature to levels unsuitable for diving performances.

Similarly, showering in very cold water can quickly lock some muscles, making it temporarily difficult to use them effectively. Therefore, knowing the right temperature and duration of the shower is essential after each dive.

Image Credit: freepik

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