A leading cause of injury-related deaths of American travelers is drowning. Travelers who will be engaging in water sports should be warned about the potential risks of such activities. Diving enthusiasts should be sure that a decompression chamber or the means to reach one is readily available. Travelers who plan to participate in white water rafting, kayaking, or canoeing should be counseled to wear life jackets and safety helmets. For swimmers and divers, familiarity with the ocean currents at their intended destinations is an important factor in the prevention of injury or death. It is important to abstain from alcohol consumption when engaging in swimming or boating activities.

Other dangers that tourists traveling to developing countries can encounter include parasites that penetrate the skin of bare feet and other exposed body areas. It is important for this reason to always wear shoes.

Avoid swimming in freshwater lakes or rivers. In many areas swimming in them can lead to skin penetrations and infection of parasites.

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