Tag: Ocean safety

Over 70% of the Earth's surface is covered by water, and accidentally swallowing some is a common experience while swimming. But can you swallow a little salt water without any negative health effects, or is every sip a cause for concern?

The human kidney can only produce urine with a salt concentration less than that of seawater, which is why consuming ocean water leads to dehydration, not hydration. The critical question is, can too much sea water be bad for you, and what are the specific dangers?

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the salinity of seawater is roughly 3.5%, a concentration far too high for human consumption. This is precisely why you shouldn't drink salt water, as doing so initiates a cascade of harmful physiological reactions that ultimately cause more thirst and catastrophic organ damage.