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Peeing in the ocean is something that happens everyday yet few people are willing to discuss it. In fact, most people won’t admit they’ve peed in the ocean, but chances are they have.
I grew up at the beach and spent a lot of time in the water. Peeing was a common occurrence and it wasn’t looked down upon.
There were always restrooms nearby but those were reserved for more serious issues like number 2.
If you’re new to the beach you might be wondering if people pee when they are frolicking in the waves. You’ll never see it happening but people are flooding the ocean with their pee (more like a sprinkle).
In this article we’ll discuss 10 things you might be wondering about peeing in the ocean. There are a few tales about peeing attracting sharks and tiny fish. There are more important issues like the possibility of infection.
After reading we’re sure you’ll feel more confident about peeing. Let’s get started.
#1 Will Peeing In The Ocean Cause A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
If you’ve never had a urinary tract infection, or UTI, it’s hard to explain how uncomfortable they are! Some people will go their whole lives without having one while other people will experience UTIs often.
UTIs occur when bacteria makes its way up the urethra (where you pee) and causes an infection of the bladder. When you pee in the ocean your urethra widens to allow urine to escape.
Bacteria can, in theory, enter in your urethra while peeing in the ocean and there’s a chance you can get a UTI. However, it’s unlikely to occur as a result of peeing.
In fact, the salty ocean usually does a good job of cleaning and drying out small wounds like scratches.
#2 Will Other People Know If You Pee In The Ocean
They won’t know unless you tell them. However they might know if you’re really close to someone else (see #3).
The ocean is vast with a blue tint to it. Even in the clearest of water, the yellow color of urine won’t be recognizable because it quickly mixes with the current of the ocean.
>>read my article about sewage in the ocean
Peeing might be recognizable if you’re standing up peeing in shallow water. Most people peeing in the ocean opt to pee with their suit on and while their body is underwater.
I don’t recommend taking your suit off or standing in shallow water while peeing because people will take notice!
#3 What Does It Feel Like To Pee In The Ocean
Peeing in the ocean might feel good. It comes with a warm sensation around your torso but quickly disappears.
You might feel hesitant to start peeing, or you might feel shy. Once the stream starts it’s tough to turn off.
It also feels a little rebellious to look around at the other beachgoers and think “they have no idea what I’m doing”.
#4 Will Peeing In The Ocean Attract Sharks
I grew up hearing that blood attracts sharks. This is true if there’s a shark nearby but unlikely if sharks are far off. But what about urine? It should be similar, right?
Wrong, peeing doesn’t seem to attract sharks the way blood does. In a study done by National Geographic, researchers found that urine seeping out of a bottle did little to attract sharks compared to another person without a bottle of urine.
Suffice to say if you see someone attacked by a shark in a movie it wasn’t because of the pee!
#5 Can Peeing In The Ocean Spread Bacteria
Peeing in the ocean can spread bacteria but the question is how much? When urine exits our bodies it’s actually sterile. It can, however, breed bacteria once it’s left our body.
Urine is 95% water and unlikely to cause other beachgoers harm. Nor is it likely to cause damage to coral reefs and other sea life.
Urine and sewage dumped in large quantities can damage the environment however a few individuals (even hundreds per day) swimming in the ocean cannot produce enough urine to create a high concentration in the ocean. Pee freely without worrying about spreading bacteria.
#6 Can Fish Swim Up Your Pee Hole If You Pee In The Ocean
I’m unsure where I first heard this story. Well, according to some these fish exist in the Amazon jungle where they are known as the Candriu.
The Candriu is a tiny fish that has the ability to swim upstream into the urethra where it can hide and eat genitals from the inside out.
This story turned out to be false and physically impossible for such a tiny fish to swim so fast. After all, pee exits the urethra at a pretty high speed so how do the fish swim so fast!
Also, note that this fish resides in freshwater so there’s no need to worry about peeing in the ocean. Hopefully, this story doesn’t give you nightmares!
#7 What To Do After You Pee In The Ocean
The number one rule after peeing in the ocean is to act normal. If you decide to pee in the ocean you must act like you aren’t peeing. This means you remain calm, cool, and collected throughout the pee and shortly after.
It’s also wise to move away from the area after peeing or take a short but aggressive swim to rinse out your bathing suit. Catching a few waves is a good idea to really give your body a good wash.
If you’re feeling cocky you can remain in the water and laugh at other people who are now swimming in the area you just went pee (but that’s mean).
#8 Can You Pee In A Hole On The Beach
Pee on the beach? Now you’re pushing the limits of the beach rules. If you’re feeling lazy or unable to swim you might think you can get away with peeing while seated on the beach.
This is a bold move and there’s high risk. It means you’ll have to expose yourself in one way or another and who wants to pee where they are sitting on the beach (it might stink!)
You could get a ticket from the police or lifeguard and you could alienate others on the beach as well. Your best bet is to get up and find a public restroom to pee. A stroll down the beach is always nice.
#9 Best Position To Pee In The Ocean
Positioning can be a real challenge when peeing in the ocean. It’s an unnatural feeling and your body might first be confused when you try to coax yourself into the act.
Try to pee in water too deep and you’ll spend more time struggling to stay above water. Try to pee in shallow water and you’ll be exposed.
The key is to find a depth from your waist to your chest where you can still stand up. Being able to stand up allows you to focus on the task at hand.
#10 There Are Public Toilets At Most Beaches
I’ve outlined a few of the thoughts or concerns you might have about peeing in the ocean. Remember that it’s not a problem to pee in the ocean and you shouldn’t feel guilty about it. You’ll also be saving water of using a toilet to flush your urine.
At the same time, you can choose a more traditional way of peeing. Almost all beaches have public restrooms that are there for a purpose.
Take a walk on the beach and find the toilet. You can also find a drinking fountain, and fresh water to rinse sand off your body.
Final Thoughts: Is It Ok To Pee In The Ocean
Although it may seem like a bad thing, peeing in the ocean isn’t a problem. Urine is mostly water and the ocean will do a great job of getting rid of the evidence. After all, fish and other mammals pee in the ocean all the time.
You won’t have to worry about attracting sharks, nor should you worry about urinary tract infections. The main thing you’ll need to do is make sure to act normal and pee away from others.
