(HealthDay News) -- Swimming is terrific exercise and a great source of summer fun, but it's not without its risks.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers these recommendations to prevent swimming injuries:
- Before jumping or diving in the water, warm up with some stretches, walking, running, biking or even some jumping jacks for a few minutes.
- To prevent repetitive motion injuries of the shoulder, start an exercise program designed to strengthen shoulder and upper back muscles.
- Take swimming lessons. And never swim alone.
- Avoid swimming when you're overheated, too cold or just too tired.
- Don't swim strenuously if you're sick with a fever, an upper respiratory infection or an ear infection.
- If diving, make sure the water is safe and deep enough.
- Carefully clean and dry ears after swimming to prevent swimmer's ear infection.
