Why can't you swim after eating?

Answer 1

It's mostly old myth, but when you eat quite a bit of your blood flow gets diverted to your abdomen, leaving less to serve the muscles. This increases the risk of you getting cramps if you start doing anything strenuous - whatever it is. Now, getting cramps while on solid ground is mostly a nuisance, but if you're out swimming it can get more awkward.

Answer 2

Swimming after eating may cause some people to experience cramps due to blood being diverted towards the stomach for digestion, potentially affecting muscle function. This can increase the risk of drowning as it may compromise your ability to swim effectively. It's generally recommended to wait at least 30 minutes to an hour after eating before swimming to reduce this risk.