There are many corpses in the ocean, but nobody has any corpse-related qualms about swimming in the ocean. But most people would not swim in a pool with a corpse in it.
There are many corpses in the ocean, but nobody has any corpse-related qualms about swimming in the ocean. But most people would not swim in a pool with a corpse in it.
You’ve already swam in a pool with a corpse (rodent, bird, insect, etc.) that’s what the filters are for.
Maybe the real question is, “How large would a corpse have to be to stop you from swimming in the pool?”
It’s likely a ratio of water area to corpse volume. With a multiplier on presence (visibility, smell, people talking about it, and hell, if the corpse is making noise that I hear, there’s no chance I’m getting in that water)
I’m sure there’s some external influence, too. My corpse tolerance would be a lot different if it’s extremely hot outside than if it’s chilly. If I’m at risk of heat stroke, I’d maybe even swim with a corpse making audible noise. If I’m physically on fire, I definitely would.
But then if it’s chilly the corpses don’t get nasty nearly so quickly…
This could be a What if? Horror Edition for xkcd.
Small bird or larger
I would think a human corpse will be more harmful to other humans, since the bacteria are already adapted to our species.
If I have to swim with a corpse I think I’d rather something large than a bird. No chance of it floating up to me by surprise.