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family in pool

Think Healthy, Be Healthy, Swim Healthy!

What is the first thing that pops into your head when you think about water safety? Drowning? Lightning? Slipping? All are important safety issues.  But, do you know many people have become sick from germs found in contaminated recreational water? 

What are Recreational Water Illnesses (RWIs)?

RWIs are the various illnesses caused by germs that can contaminate water in pools, lakes, and the ocean. The most common RWI is diarrhea, caused by germs like “Crypto”, Giardia, Shigella, and E. coli O157:H7. 

 

How is Diarrhea Spread?

Pool water is shared by every swimmer.  A person with diarrhea can easily contaminate the pool with fecal matter. Diarrhea is then spread when swimmers swallow this contaminated pool water. 

 

Does Chlorine Protect Against RWIs?

Yes, germs causing RWIs are killed by chlorine, but it doesn’t work right away. Some germs, like “Crypto”, can live in pools for days. Without your help, even the best-maintained pools can spread illness. 

 

Three ‘PLEAs” for All Swimmers 

Please do not swim when you have diarrhea. This is especially important for kids in diapers. You can spread germs in the water and make other people sick. 

Please do not swallow the pool water. In fact, avoid getting water in your mouth. 

Please practice good hygiene. Take a shower before swimming and wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers. Germs on your body end up in the water. 

Three “PLEAs” for Parents of Young Kids

Please take your kids on bathroom breaks or check diapers often. Waiting to hear “I have to go” may mean that it’s too late. 

Please change diapers in a bathroom and not at poolside. Germs can spread to surfaces and objects in and around the pool and spread illness. 

Please wash your child thoroughly (especially the rear end) with soap and water before swimming. Everyone has invisible amounts of fecal matter on their bottoms that end up in the pool. 

For more information go to: Healthy Swimming  (Information obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).