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Is the prohibition of swimming during the nine days because of an increased danger during the nine days or is it because of the fact that you cant bathe for pleasure during the nine days? Or is it a combination of both factors?

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Why not say it's because of 2? – Shmuel Brin Aug 1 '12 at 0:51
good point - ill edit – MosheY Aug 1 '12 at 1:42
both,if you look in the Shulchan Aruch you will see both reasons. Showering would be for pleasure and swimming in ocean can be because of danger and pleasure. – sam Aug 1 '12 at 16:18
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Yeah, I thought the prohibition was for both reasons, danger and pleasure, too. @sam, if you have the source in the Shulchan Aruch, why don't you post it as an answer? Or even if you just remember which section of the Shulchan Aruch it's in, that would be great. – Shemmy Aug 1 '12 at 23:00
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Thank you so much, @sam. You really should get the credit for providing this in the answer section. – Shemmy Aug 2 '12 at 10:12
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up vote 4 down vote accepted

It seems that both reasons are applicable.

  1. See Rama in Shulchan Aruch 551:16 which says that bathing for pleasure is prohibited.

  2. See Shulchan Aruch 551:1 and 551:18 which says that when the month of av comes in the more one should be careful and then says later on that certain parts of the day are more dangerous(see Mishna Brurah on 551:18).

    The Medrash Eicha Rabbah 1:29 explains that from the 17th of Tammuz to the 9th of Av it is a dangerous time.

    Rav Shlomo Zalman Aurbach in Shalmei Moed chapter 90 says that one should avoid dangerous activities.

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Bravo, @sam! I'm glad you posted this. – Shemmy Aug 3 '12 at 0:26
Is swimming dangerous? – Double AA♦ Aug 3 '12 at 0:36
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I would assume it is if the gemara says one should teach their son to swim,and the fact we have lifeguards it seems water can always be dangerous. – sam Aug 3 '12 at 1:32
@Shemmy ,thanks – sam Aug 3 '12 at 1:34
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This answer seems like it should be a comment instead. – msh210♦ Aug 3 '12 at 4:41
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