Monday, November 14, 2011

Itchy and Scratchy....or, Debunking the Myth of Sea Lice

I've noticed in my many years of swimming at Coney, as the water cools, the itching begins. It starts with one or two red marks. Now, as the water nears 50F, I have about 10 welts the size of a quarter. Everyone calls it "sea lice", which sounds frightening. It is also incorrect, according to this medical article on the Divers Alert Network. No, according to the CDC what I have is the more innocuous sounding "swimmer's itch". Microscopic parasites that are looking for a duck to call home, but they settle for me. Ew. I think I'd rather be lunch for the jellyfish larvae.....

Towel off well, my friends....

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Brooklyn Masters Swim Team

As many of you know, I have been dreaming of starting a REAL masters swim team here in Brooklyn for many years now...it looks like I've finally found a pool! Details to come, but I am STOKED!!!!