Swimming After Eating Causes Cramps and You'll Drown

While swimming on a very full stomach might cause minor digestive discomfort, it doesn't cause severe cramps that would incapacitate you or cause drowning. The blood flow theory, that digestion diverts blood away from muscles, is oversimplified; your body manages multiple functions simultaneously. The military and competitive swimmers often eat and train right after. Waiting after a large meal is courteous (in case you vomit) but not a safety requirement.