Don't Swim After Eating? That's Bunk

There are so many myths about summer safety, it's a wonder anyone has any fun. Heard that poison ivy is contagious? Not true. Scared of swallowing watermelon seeds? They'll just pass through you. The Washington Post debunks a host of summer myths:

• Mosquitoes love people who taste sweet? Nope—mosquitoes are more into your breath. They pursue the heat, carbon dioxide, and lactic acid in it, says a doctor. But it is true that you shouldn't scratch your bites; that could cause an infection.

• You should pee on your jellyfish stings. Actually, that's likely to worsen the situation, a doctor says: It could actually prompt the jellyfish cells to release more venom. Instead, leave the water and get the tentacles off you—but don't use your fingers. Then, slap some vinegar on the area.
• Stay out of the water for a half-hour after you eat? Sure, it could cause a cramp, but that's about the worst of it. If that happens, just dry off and take it easy for a while. "There’s no magic to the 30-minute number," says a nutritionist.

Click through for the full list. (More swimming stories.)