Swim in the Dead Sea – that’s on many people’s to-do list. It is actually not a sea, but a lake with no outflow. This is more than 430 meters below sea level and is fed by the Jordan. The body of water borders Jordan, Israel and the West Bank and is known for its high salinity. But anyone who goes into the natural phenomenon should note a few important points – otherwise your own life is in danger.
The salinity of the Dead Sea is around 33 percent. In comparison: in the Mediterranean it is an average of 3.8 percent. That is why living beings, apart from microorganisms and a few plant species, cannot survive in the salt lake – which also explains the name. Due to the high density of the water, you don’t go under in the Dead Sea and you can even read the newspaper lying down. It is also rich in minerals, which is why bathing is recommended for people with skin diseases. Among other things, the water is said to have a healing effect on neurodermatitis and psoriasis.
At the end of every Dead Sea visit is the mud bath. The salt mud can be found in depressions near the shore. Rub in the gray mud, avoiding the eyes, mouth and nose. The mud is rich in magnesium, calcium and sodium and is therefore good for the skin. After about 20 minutes, when everything has hardened, wash off again.
But if you let yourself drift in the Dead Sea, you have to be very careful. Because if you swallow a larger amount of water, you risk your life. Lung failure and death threaten those affected. That is why it is forbidden to swim on your stomach in the Dead Sea. Bathers should also refrain from silly splashing around. In general, you don’t swim, but sit in the water and put your feet up – the Dead Sea carries you. Staying in water for too long is also not a good idea. Because the salt dehydrates the body, you should return to shore after about 15 minutes. Then drink plenty of fluids to compensate for the withdrawal.
Be careful not to get water in your eyes. Always go into the water only in excellent bathing spots and stay close to the shore, because in some places in the lake the salt content is lower and the buoyancy decreases as a result. Bathing shoes are recommended, as salt crystals form on the shore, which can be very sharp.
