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Water Safety - swimming, fishing, boating, etc.

It is important to get enough physical activity and a healthy dose of sunshine, which water-based recreation can provide. It is also important to enjoy water recreation safely.

Tips to protect yourself from recreational water illness (RWI) or injury :

1. Look at the water and surroundings.

• Clean and clear pool water. You should be able to clearly see the bottom of the pool.
• Smooth pool sides. Tiles should not be sticky or slippery.
• No odor. A well-chlorinated pool has very little odor. A strong chemical smell indicates that there is a maintenance problem.
• Pool equipment working. Pool pumps and filtration systems make noise, and you should hear them running.
• Avoid swimming or fishing in lakes/streams that have a very strong odor, or algae growths at the edges that look like a blue-green paint slick.

2. Ask questions of the pool/park staff

• What specialized training did the pool staff take to prepare for working at or operating the pool?
• Are chlorine and pH levels checked at least 2x per day, and during times when the pool is most heavily used?
• Are trained operation staff available during the weekends when the pool is most heavily used?
• When was the pool last inspected, and what was the result of that inspection?
• Is the lake/stream under any health advisories?

3. Act - be proactive and educate others.

• Learn about recreational water illnesses and educate other users and your pool operator.
• Urge your pool management to spread the work about RWI's to pool staff and pool users.
• Let your pool operator know that the health and well being of all swimmers is a priority for you.
• Check the pool water yourself for adequate chlorine (1-2 parts per million) and pH (7.2 - 7.8). Pool and spa chlorine test strips are available at local home improvement stores, discount retailers, pool supply stores, and online retailers.
• Remind friends, neighbors, family to check for advisories in place for parks they may frequent.

4. Practice healthy swimming behaviors

• Refrain from swimming when you have diarrhea.
• Avoid swallowing pool water or even getting it in your mouth.
• Shower before swimming, and wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers.
• Take children on bathroom breaks, or check diapers often.
• Change diapers in a bathroom and not at poolside, and thoroughly clean the diaper changing area.
• Do not consume alcohol while swimming or boating.
  

5. Safety is always important.

• Keep an eye on children at all times. Kids can drown in seconds and in silence.
• Don't use air-filled swimming aids (i.e. water wings) with children in plae of life jackets or life preservers.
• Protect against sunburn by using a sunscreen with at least SPF 15 and both UVA and UVB protection. Be sure to re-apply it after swimming.
• Do not attempt to swim beyond your ability (into water that is too deep, too far from shore/edge, etc.).

Recreational Water Illnesses:

Cryptosporidium

E. Coli

Giardia

norovirus

Shigella

Swimmer's Itch

Other water-related illnesses, injuries:

Blue-green algae poisoning (cyanobacteria)

Pool-related chemical injuries

Skin cancer

Drowning, near-drowning

Excerpted from CDC web-based resources.