Swimming is a great exercise and fun family activity, but to make it a safe one, parents need to be aware of recreational water illnesses.
Dr. Flor Munoz, an infectious diseases specialist at Texas Children’s Hospital
Swimming and summer go hand in hand, and a lot of families will start packing up and heading to the pool, lake or beach. And that’s where recreational water illnesses are born and bred.
Recreational water illnesses can be caused by germs spread through contaminated water that can be found in swimming pools, hot tubs, water parks, water play areas, lakes, rivers or oceans.
A wide variety of infections can cause recreational water illnesses. The most common are parasites called giardia and cryptosporidium, and certain enteric bacteria, such as E. coli, pseudomonas and salmonella. Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, poor appetite and sometimes fever. Young children can be affected the most if they become dehydrated due to an acute gastroenteritis. Skin infections may also occur after contact with contaminated water.
Most recreational water illnesses in pools can be prevented with the use of chlorine, but parents should know chlorine doesn’t eliminate all the germs. Some organisms can live in the pool for a few days before the chlorine takes care of them, and some are capable of surviving even in the most well maintained pools.
Lakes, ponds and rivers can be contaminated with a number of bacteria and parasites coming from the soil, animals and humans.
Here are some effective healthy swimming tips for parents so everyone can remain safe and healthy this summer:
- Keep your children out of the water if they have been vomiting or having diarrhea. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends staying out of the pool for two weeks after resolution of diarrhea since some organisms continue to be shed.
- Shower before getting in the water
- Teach your children to not go to the bathroom in the pool
- Don’t swallow the water
- Take your young kids out of the water once an hour for a bathroom break
- Check your baby’s diapers and change them often if needed
Following these tips can help keep everyone safe while participating in recreational water activities this summer so you can maximize the amount of fun you have with the family!