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I've always felt comfortable in the water, but I've never really like swimming much unless I was with a friend, because without them, there's nothing to do.

While physics dictates that fat will float and muscle sinks, the truth is it depends mainly on your bone-density. If you have denser bones (yes, being big boned is possible) then you inherintly sink.

Being fat does not prevent drownings in any way, shape or form. Most drownings (based on Canadian Statistics provided by Stats. Canada and the Lifesaving Soceity), occur in males between the ages of 14-19 and involve alcohol. The second and third leading causes of drownings in Canada are 1.) Not wearing PFDs (or Lifejackets) while boating/improper supervision of children in PFDs or in Aquatic situations. 2.) Medical conditions such which include but are not limited to: Heart Attack, Angina Pectoris, Stroke, Sever Bleeding, Cardiac Arrest and spinal injuries.

There are also 4 main types of drowning victims. -Non Swimmer, Weak/Tired Swimmer, Unconcious and Injured Swimmer.

--Non swimmers are what most people recognize as drownings victims. They appear to be pulling themselves out of the water with large splashes. They do not call for help as their body is focusing on breathing only. Non Swimmers are THE MOST dangerous drowning victim. These develop into unconcious swimmers.

--Weak/Tired swimmers occur mostly in children who are physically inable to reach a point of safety. They appear to swim Dog-Paddle and faintly call for help. Weak/Tired Swimmers develop into any of the other swimmers.

--Unconcious Swimmers are just that. Out cold. They float either on their front or back and are unresponsive. In most cases Unconcious Swimmers have no pulse (which means they are not breathing) and in most cases are followed by death.

--Injured Swimmers have injured a limb of thier body and grasp the injured area while treading water. They scream for assitance. These victims require treatment of shock and their injury. Injured swimmers (depending on the injury) lead to either unconcious swimmers or death.

Even then, if you inhale enough water you can succumb to what is known as dry drowning. The water in your lungs takes a while to settle and you then show signs in about 12 hours of raspy coughs, flem, cyanosis, uncontrolable cough and later death. Dry Drownings are rare, but possible.

So in closing, it is possible for fat people to drown, lots of options are open. From a professional stand-point I would advise no swimmer to rely on their girth to keep them floating. Follow your local boating regulations and saftey procedures of aquatic facilities. No one is safe from being a potential victim.

--Adam (Canadian Nationally Certified Lifeguard and Lifesaving Inctructor.)

"Think about this!"

-Lifeguards and Competitive Swimmers are at higher risk of drowning compared to those who have no formal swimming training. Why? Because many Lifeguards and competitive swimmers become cocky and show off, often exceeding their physical abilities and succumbing to drownings!

I've always thought I float so well based on my high fat content.. so I'm very comfortable in the water.

You happen to know quite a bit on the subject, don't you? I guess that comes with being a "Canadian Lifeguard." biggrin

Indeed I do. Luckily for you guys it wasn't one of my days that I could quote the textbooks from the Lifesaving courses.

O_o
i've never gotten that...but im not fond of my cottage cheese thighs, so i tend not to go to the pool when there are many other people around.


Ps- whenever i glance at your name, i think im reading "Norwalk Virus"XD

I float much in the way that bricks don't.