MAC —ocean water

Swimming in ocean due to its salinity is low risk for NTM exposure. Google Falkinham and/or Honda (both PhDs) to learn more details.

I find that snorkeling in the ocean is wonderful for lung clearance! The prone position, the pressure created by breathing through a snorkel, as well as the salt air all seem to contribute to make air way clearing more complete and easier.

@ansley - I will add to the reply by @scoop. Dr Falkinham recently addressed just this issue on another Bronchiectasis forum.

To paraphrase his words, risk is a combination of exposure time and concentration of the bacteria in the air.

The wind blows in off the ocean or gulf, and coming from over salt water is NTM free. The water, due to its salinity, is also NTM free. And any other germs "floating around" are vastly diluted and carried away by the huge volume of air. This makes it a low risk situation.

Likewise, water over lakes and outdoor swimming pools is vastly diluted, so any germs are dilutes as well. But since NTM and other bacteria lurk, be conscious of the amount of time you are exposed. So a dip or a swim in the pool or lake is fine, but sitting in you lawn chair with your feet in the water all day is more risky.

When it comes to pools/lakes, I split the difference. I will paddleboard with my kids for a while, then retreat to the shade well away from the water. I will exercise or swim in a pool for a while, then retreat to a chair well away from the pool, or shower and go back to my patio, refreshed from the swim.

this is very reassuring
I live on Long Island NY and love the ocean. glad its not off limits. Had to give up hot tub. Also to Shiela, i am on antidepressant. Since beginning 3 antibiotics i had increased anxiety and depression. have had to stay on them to keep my normal activities going. I believe the effect on microbiome has effected my moods. But, medication has allowed me to be functional if not joyful. I look forward to finally finishing up the 12 months of antibiotics and hope as I restore my GI flora, I can reduce the meds. hopeful....