Pool water fun, and dangerous

Swim season has arrived. And while nothing can beat the heat like a refreshing dip, nothing can ruin the fun faster than picking up an illness at the pool.

This week has been designated National Recreational Water Illness Prevention Week to highlight the importance of healthy swimming behavior in preventing illnesses. As part of this health observance, the Tennessee Department of Health is urging Tennesseans to practice healthy swimming practices.

‘While we always stress safety while swimming, it’s important to remind Tennessee citizens and visitors of the risks of becoming sick while swimming, and the simple steps they can follow to reduce those risks,’ said Commissioner of Health Susan R. Cooper. ‘We want everyone to keep their swimming activities safe and healthy.’

Recreational water illnesses, or RWIs, are spread by swallowing, breathing or having contact with contaminated water from swimming pools, spas, lakes, rivers or oceans. Germs on and in swimmers’ bodies end up in the water and can make other people sick.

RWIs can cause a wide variety of symptoms, including gastrointestinal, skin, ear, respiratory, eye, neuralgic and wound infections. The most commonly reported RWI is diarrhea.

Even healthy swimmers can get sick from RWIs, but the young, elderly, pregnant women and immune-suppressed persons are especially at risk.

The following practices promote healthy swimming:

‘ Stay away from pools and do not swim when you have diarrhea.

‘ Avoid swallowing pool water or getting pool water in your mouth.

‘ Adults and children should shower before swimming.

‘ Ensure children take frequent bathroom breaks.

‘ Change children’s diapers frequently and in a bathroom, not at pool side.

‘ Wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers.

The Tennessee Department of Health, Division of General Environmental Health is responsible for the inspection of all of the state’s 4,800 public swimming pools. Environmental health specialists inspect each public swimming pool at least monthly while the pool is open.

Recreational water venues are important sites for exercise and leisure. To make this summer a healthy swimming experience, the Tennessee Department of Health urges swimmers to continue to enjoy swimming, but only after adopting healthy swimming behaviors.