Do you remember when you used to be told "Don't go swimming for at least an hour after eating?" After that big meal you ate, you remember waiting to get in the water until it was OK? Do you still make the children in your life wait to go swimming after they eat?

Where did this old adage originate from? Is it still true today, or just an old wives' tale?

Truth is, it's a little bit of both. There is some concern that if you do strenuous swimming or a long workout in the water, that you shouldn't eat just before swimming. It may lead to muscle cramps and an increased risk (though small) of drowning.

However, a well-supervised child shouldn't be at any extra risk of drowning due to recent eating, and there are no formal recommendations against eating before swimming from the AAP, the American Red Cross, or the Consumer Product Safety Commission. In fact, no drownings have ever been reported because a person neglected to wait after eating before swimming.

Ordinary levels of swimming or just general water play need not be avoided - even strenuous sidestroking can still be safely undertaken after a snack or light to moderate-sized meal.

In any case, child supervision near water is always key to preventing drownings. Always supervise children on, in or around the water and watch for danger signs.