How toxic is the Dead Sea?

Its waters are 10 times saltier than regular sea water. While full of therapeutic minerals, the water is toxic to ingest. That didn't stop 28 swimmers from swimming nine miles (14.5 kilometres) across it, from Jordan to Israel, in the first-ever Dead Sea Swim.



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No matter what time of year you choose to visit the Dead Sea, it's important to remember that swimming in its waters can be dangerous due to its high salt content and strong currents.

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Can you float in the Dead Sea? Yes, you can actually float in the Dead Sea as the Dead Sea water is 10 times saltier than the ocean making it denser as well as heavier. It increases buoyancy and water will push you towards the surface, resulting in floating.

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Don't stay in the Dead Sea longer than 10-15 minutes. The salt water irritates your skin, and after 15 minutes it can start to sting. Remember that the Dead Sea is about 10 times saltier than typical oceans and seas. On that note – Don't splash!

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Don't Splash or Dive The water is so salty that literally nothing can survive in it. That's why it's called the Dead Sea. So you want to be sure to avoid the water getting in your eyes or nose at all costs.

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Entering the Dead Sea: Be extremely careful not to get the water in your eyes, ears, nose, or mouth. If you do, have a friend lead you to the fresh water showers commonplace at public beaches. Do not put your head underwater; floating on your back is preferable in order to avoid this.

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Fact: You can – and you should. Pads might not be the best option, since they'll absorb water till they're soaked, and could get weighed down or fall out. Plus, they might be visible through your bathing suit. On the other hand, tampons are convenient and safe to use in water.

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Try not to put your face or hair in the water It's just not a good idea to get your eyes and mouth near the water, because if any were to get in, that would be the end of your time at the Dead Sea. In addition, you will want to pull your hair up and avoid getting it in the water.

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Huge amounts of plastic waste have been discovered at the mouth of the Kidron Stream that abuts the Dead Sea's waterline according to researchers from the University of Haifa's Charney School of Marine Sciences who studied impurities in the salty lake.

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Avoid water splashing at the Dead Sea. The high level of salinity is dangerous to the eyes and can cause burns. Avoid burns: It is recommended to go with flip flops. Walking with bare feet on the hot stones or sand can cause burns.

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