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For centuries, human beings feared the ocean. “Any 17th-century European pirate could tell you terrifying tales of sea monsters dwelling in the dark waters,” Adee Braun wrote in 2013. “A pirate was about as likely to swim in the sea as a pilot is to jump out of his plane.” And the seaside, “as the gateway to the sea,” wasn’t very compelling both.
Braun went on to elucidate that seashores remained largely empty till the 18th century, when the English started to research the attainable medicinal results of the ocean. Cold sea water was launched as a “wonder drug” for the illnesses of British excessive society. And the remainder is sandy historical past.
Nowadays, seashores are well-established websites of luxurious, however lately, Atlantic contributors have began to query whether or not oceanside holidays are literally any enjoyable. Last yr, the author Lauren Groff made a compelling case for the “psychological torment” that kicks in should you begin to consider the unintended penalties of a seaside trip on the encircling setting and place. But she started her essay with a compelling description of the bodily torment of the seaside, too:
I hate the seaside. My pores and skin burns and blisters as quickly because the solar touches it, I dislike sweating with out exercising, and sand is not sensible in any respect to me—it’s simply sizzling and gritty dust that different folks apparently get pleasure from rolling round in. I used to be raised by dad and mom whose thought of leisure is reducing miles of trails within the woods and portray a whole home by hand, so the prospect of enforced idleness makes me panicky. Plus, the ocean itself, whereas aesthetically pleasing, is terrifyingly untrustworthy.
Personally, I discover swimming within the ocean—and even simply staring out on the water—to be one among life’s nice joys. Still, I hear Groff’s level concerning the darkish aspect of a day within the solar. Today’s studying record encompasses all sides of the seaside debate.
On Beaches
Beware the Luxury Beach Resort
By Lauren Groff
These ostensible paradises have a darkish aspect.
The Historic Healing Power of the Beach
By Adee Braun
When medical doctors prescribed solar and sea to enhance circulation and contract tumors
Beach Vacationers Are Doing It Wrong
By Richard A. Friedman
To actually take a break, attempt vigorous train.
Still Curious?
Other Diversions
P.S.
My colleague Rachel Gutman-Wei reported final week that there’s a lifeguard scarcity in America—and that there’s been a lifeguard scarcity for a century, if recurring headlines are to be believed. Lifeguarding may not be probably the most in-demand summer season job—we’re now not within the Baywatch period of the ’90s, when lifeguards had been endlessly glorified—however those that defend our swimming pools and seashores haven’t been forgotten, Gutman writes: “If the lifeguard is once again an endangered species, it’s still beloved: more like a giant panda than a Gerlach’s cockroach.”
— Isabel