The positive effect of
sea water on our body has been noted for a long time. Those who were fortunate enough to read "Iphigenia in Tauris" probably remember the words of the main character: "Only the sea washed away sins from people." Staying at the sea as a separate treatment method has been recommended since the 19th century. Somewhat earlier, a pupil of S. P. Botkin, N. P. Dmitriev, wrote a work on the "Climatic conditions of the Southern Crimea." By the way, the Russian Geographical Society noted this work with a
silver medal (1880).
To what temperature limits can water warm and cool along the coast of the peninsula? What is the optimum temperature for swimming in the sea?
Indicators depend on the position and depth of the sea. A little south, in shallow water, the water can warm up to 25 ° C by the end of June (Feodosia, Yevpatoriya, Kerch), by August, the figures reach 27 ° C (and sometimes even up to 30 ° C). The sea becomes especially cold in February, cooling off at the southern shores to 5 ° C, and in the northwest to 1 ° C. The Kerch Strait and the Sea of Azov may freeze.
The water temperature suitable for swimming opens the “sea season”. This term is used by doctors who recommend water procedures for the treatment and prevention of a number of diseases.
The optimal temperature for swimming in the sea is also determined by doctors. However, water procedures at rates less than 20 ° C are not recommended. It is believed that the best bathing water temperature is 24 ... 25 ° C and above. Unless, of course, you belong to the walrus category. Let's consider in more detail.
1. At a temperature of 0 ... 9 ° C, Epiphany rituals are performed. Such "execution" does not cause hypothermia and negative consequences if the dive is short-term (several seconds).
2. Bathing at 10 ... 14 ° C is possible only with good hardening and no more than 4-5 minutes.
3. Temperature 15 ... 17 ° - cold enough for swimming, however, some are already able to make short dives. A two-hour stay in such water threatens the onset of a “marginal zone”, when the possibility of loss of consciousness from hypothermia doubles.
4. At 17 ... 20 ° C, a favorable experience, of course, is not guaranteed, but the feeling of vigor necessarily comes. The "marginal zone" is still possible after four hours of continuous swimming.
5. Indicators 17 ... 22 ° C are considered a wave acceptable for swimming. But some prefer warmer water.
6. 22 ... 24 ° C - the optimum temperature for swimming in the sea, suitable for everyone.
7. From 25 ° C and above. With such a water temperature, the sea does not often please. Subcooling during bathing does not threaten, therefore, the adoption of water procedures can be quite long.
Officially, the swimming season in Crimea lasts about 120-125 days. But the optimum water temperature for swimming in the sea is recorded only for more than two months, although the bathing seasons are not always the same.
What is so useful sea water? Firstly, swimming is always a joy, which means a surge of positive emotions. Secondly, when immersed, the body receives a kind of shake from the effects of a number of unusual factors:
- differences in body temperature, water and air;
- water pressure ;
- fluctuations (movements) of waves;
- sun rays.
The body is forced to respond to changes, adapt to them. Water takes away heat, and the muscles and thermoregulation mechanism work to compensate for the loss. Thus, hardening occurs. So swim to health!