Swim Safe Part 1

Epidemiology Corner

June 18, 2004

Swim Safe Part 1 : Waterborne Illnesses and Swimming

Summer is practically here. One favorite pastime of summer is to go swimming. Many waterborne diseases may be associated with swimming. They include skin, eye and respiratory infections as well as diarrheal illnesses.

Whether you plan to go swimming in pool, lake or even in the ocean there are a few simple things you need to keep in mind to protect yourself from waterborne diseases.

Don’t swallow the water even if you are swimming in well-maintained pool. Chlorine does not kill all germs and must be maintained at the proper levels to be effective.
Don’t swim in warm, stagnant water.
Don’t swim in water if you see fecal matter in or around the water. If a lifeguard is present tell him/her what you saw.
Follow all posted signs or warnings. Never swim where a no swimming sign has been posted.
Always wash your hands before eating, even after swimming.

You can help prevent the spread of waterborne diseases by:

Following good hygiene practice by washing your hands after going to the bathroom or after changing a diaper. Then take a shower before entering a pool.
Don't change a diaper next to a swimming pool or any other body of water. Find the nearest bathroom.
Don't swim if you have diarrhea.

Any body of water can potentially be contaminated with disease causing agents, even ornamental fountains. Just because you can’t see anything in the water doesn’t mean it isn’t contaminated. It can take several days or even weeks for someone to become ill after being exposed to contaminated water. The best prevention of waterborne illness is to only drink or swallow water designated for human consumption and to only swim in desginated areas.

Waterborne illnesses are not the only health risk associated with swimming. Drowning, submersion injuries and sunburns can also occur if precautions are not followed. It is particularly import for parents to keep an eye on young kids at all times. See the next edition of Epi Corner for Swim Safe part 2. If you want to get more information on diseases and injuries associated with swimming visit the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/healthyswimming/ or http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/factsheets/drown.htm.

Have a fun and safe summer!