I swallowed lots of lake water, full of algy and stuff... will i be ok?

Question

im on a sailing course and we were to capsize our boats and then upright them... i toppled my boat but when i entered the water i breathed in a lot of lake water ( full of algy *not sure of spelling* ) will i be ok?

Answer 1

I have done this before. i think you will be fine, but if you are  really worried, go to the doctor just in case. i have done the same thing, and it's disgusting, and especially when i water skii. tis was over the fourth of july, and i am fine. But again, if you are really worried, you could go to the doctor and the could x-ray your lungs or take a test to see if you are fine. I wouldn't worry about it though. BTW, can you put me as best answer. I need some points.

Thank You.

Hope this helped.

Answer 2

Algae is a simple form of plant life and is not inherently harmful.  Swallowing some lake water in most places is not particularly dangerous with or without algae.  

If you really breathed in lake water, that is another story.  You normally do not get water into your lungs, there's a little flap that closes off the trachea (called the epiglottis).  If a small bit of water gets past the epiglottis into the trachea, tracheal spasms, that feel like choking, will make sure no significant amount is breathed into your lungs.  Water in the lungs can cause pretty serious problems, but usually only occurs in near-drownings when the victim becomes unconscious or semi-conscious.

If the Lake water where you are sailing is dangerous in any way it would usually be posted.  If you have serious concern you can check with the area's Health Department or Water Quality Agency to find out if there is anything to worry about.