Can LDS Missionaries Go Swimming?

Mormon missionaries typically cannot swim during their service. This regulation is rooted in safety precautions and religious doctrine, aiming to protect missionaries while also maintaining appropriate behavior. Here, we delve into the specifics of this rule and explore its broader implications for missionary life.

Rule and Its Origin

The general rule prohibiting LDS missionaries from swimming is primarily a safety measure to prevent accidents such as drowning. However, there are also concerns about maintaining modesty and avoiding distractions. The primary concern of the church is safety, but there are additional considerations that go beyond the simple act of swimming.

Extending the Ban to Other Activities

Activities that could pose safety risks, such as horseback riding, shooting firearms, and full-contact sports, are also off-limits. The overarching goal is to ensure the safety and health of missionaries, who are advised to avoid any potential dangers. This precaution is taken seriously, as tragic incidents can occur, and the church places a high priority on keeping its missionaries safe and protected.

Reasons Beyond Safety: Modesty and Etiquette

One common perception is that the prohibition on swimming is based on a misinterpretation of a verse from the Doctrine and Covenants. However, the real reason is likely more nuanced. The church aims to maintain high standards of conduct, particularly with single young men and women. Wearing the temple garment, a sacred piece of clothing, off the body could be seen as inappropriate, especially in social settings.

Swimming in attire that might be considered too revealing for such a context could lead to inappropriate situations and remarks. The church recognizes that while such interactions might be beneficial after completing the mission, during the service, these emotions need to be carefully managed.

Exploring Restricted and Discretionary Actions

The specifics of whether missionaries can swim may vary depending on the individual circumstances. For example, if a Frisbee accidentally lands in the surf, missionaries are often allowed to retrieve it, which demonstrates some flexibility in enforcing the rules. However, swimming as a recreational activity is generally not permitted.

Other activities, such as playing in water or being on a vessel, are also discouraged. Some believe there is an archaic belief that the devil is associated with water. This belief, whether true or not, may influence the church's stance on water-related activities.

Balancing Safety and Freedom

The rule prohibiting swimming is about more than just the act itself; it encapsulates broader concerns about safety, modesty, and maintaining appropriate behavior. While there is a strict adherence to the rule, there is also a recognition that certain exceptions can be made. The ultimate goal is to ensure that missionaries can fulfill their missions safely and effectively, while also adhering to the church's values and standards.

Understanding the underlying reasons for this rule can provide insights into the complex balance the church maintains while supporting its missionaries. As with many aspects of LDS missionary life, the rules are designed to protect and support the missionaries, helping them to complete their service successfully and ethically.