No, you cannot survive indefinitely in the Dead Sea. While you can float easily due to its high salinity, the extreme conditions make long-term survival impossible.
The Dead Sea's Extreme Environment
The Dead Sea's extremely high salinity, nearly ten times saltier than the ocean (as noted in this Quora article), prevents most life forms from thriving. As stated in multiple sources, "no life can evolve in the Dead Sea," resulting in its name, "Sea of Death." [Several articles](https://thecripplegate.com/the-dead-sea-will-live-again/, https://www.sherriseligson.com/how-the-dead-sea-teaches-us-to-encourage-others/, https://33andfree.live/2024/04/29/experience-the-dead-sea-in-jordan/) emphasize this point, highlighting that even fish entering from freshwater streams quickly die.
Dangers of the Dead Sea
- High Salinity: The extreme salt concentration irritates skin and eyes. Even a small drop in your eye can cause intense pain.
- Lack of Oxygen: While the high salinity allows for buoyancy, it inhibits aquatic life. This extreme environment significantly affects any life trying to reside there for prolonged periods.
- Exposure to the elements: Prolonged exposure to the sun and heat can lead to dehydration and sunstroke, especially given the absence of shade in large portions of the Dead Sea area.
While brief immersion is possible and enjoyable for many, prolonged exposure is dangerous and not survivable. Although people can die in the Dead Sea (as stated in the Quora article), the high salt content may affect the manner of floating as the body decomposes.
