Doing the Dead Sea Right: Tips For Getting The Most Out of These Medicinal Waters
May 24th 2016
Have you been to the Dead Sea yet? If you haven’t, you are missing out on an unbeatable experience. Tourists and natives alike take advantage of the world-renowned, medicinal waters of the Dead Sea throughout the year. If you’re in Israel this year, head to this salty watering hole to heal what ails you, but keep these important tips in mind when you do!
Watch Out For Cuts!
This is probably the most important Dead Sea tidbit you’ll ever hear. DO NOT go into the Dead Sea with open cuts on your body. Unlike fresh water seas and lakes, the Dead Sea is a hypersaline lake. For those of you who aren’t well-versed in aquatic terminology, a hypersaline lake is a lake with high concentrations of sodium chloride and other mineral salts in the water.
What that means in English is that the water you’re entering has a ton of salt in it. Know what happens when you put salt on an open cut? Ouch! This is why you want to avoid taking a dip in the Dead Sea if you have any cuts or scrapes that are exposed, including minor cuts from shaving etc.
Look Ma, No Hands!
This is really incredible, and it’s something you have to try at least once in your life! When you go into the Dead Sea, no matter how heavy, large, or robust you are, you will float. Just lean back, and let natural buoyancy lift and support you while you read a good book! This phenomenon is due to the high saline concentration in the water.
That’s Fine But Not The Face!
Since the Dead Sea water is salty enough to turn a salmon into lox in a matter of seconds, you don’t want to get your face anywhere near the surface. Don’t dip your head or face into the water even for a moment for several reasons. First of all, the water is bitterly salty and will extremely unpleasant to taste. Secondly, if you get the water into your eyes, you will regret it for at least the next day. The salt will burn into your eyes, leaving them red and sore. Finally, if your head gets stuck under the water, it can be extremely difficult to lift it out, presenting a major drowning hazard.
Get Out While The Getting’s Good!
The Dead Sea is a wonderful experience, but you can’t stay for too long. After a while, your body will start to feel a burning, tingling sensation. This is a warning sign that the salt is dehydrating you, and it’s time to get out of the water, which makes it a great time to take advantage of some of the incredible Dead Sea spa treatments in the area.
