The Best Ways to Prevent Infection and Illness While Swimming

4 minute read

Summer has arrived, and with most of the country expecting above-average temperatures this season, the desire to jump into the pool has never been stronger. Although swimming in a pool is a terrific way to cool off and get some exercise, be aware that there are many disease-causing organisms lurking beneath the water's surface.

Also swimming provides the health advantages of physical activity, each summer in the United States, outbreaks of polluted pools, hot tubs, spas, spray parks, tiny inflatable pools, lakes, and other recreational water sources occur.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identified 208 outbreaks of sickness associated to pools and hot tubs between 2015 and 2019, resulting in 3,646 infections, 286 hospitalizations, and 13 deaths, and experts believe those numbers could be significantly higher.

Almost all of the outbreaks (96 percent) were linked to public pools, hot tubs, or water playgrounds.

Hotels and resorts were responsible for 34% of outbreaks, with hot tubs (70%) accounting for the majority of them. The majority of outbreaks occurred in June, July, and August.

How to Stay Safe From Infections and illness When Swimming.

Look for and understand the signals.

Read the notices displayed in a swimming area and heed the safety advice. Signs and guidelines are in place to keep you safe and to keep pools clean and germ-free.

Take care when entering and exiting the pool.

To avoid slipping and falling, use a handrail wherever possible. Avoid climbing on slippery or unstable surfaces when exiting the water.

If you have diarrhea, stay away of the water.

If you have been diagnosed with cryptosporidiosis, a parasitic illness, do not return to the water for two weeks after your diarrhea has ended.

Shower before going swimming.

A one-minute shower rinse removes the majority of the dirt or anything else on your body that uses up pool chemicals to kill bacteria. According to the CDC, most persons have 0.14 grams of excrement on their body at any given time, which is equivalent to a few grains of sand.

Look before you leap or dive in.

Shallow water, underwater logs, and large boulders can all be harmful when diving into lakes or swimming holes and can result in serious damage. Only dive into locations where it is safe to dive at a pool or other swimming facility. Keep an eye out for no diving signs.

Always be aware of your surroundings and enter the water slowly, feet first. Check the region before entering the water each time, as swimming conditions or surroundings may change. Underwater swimmers, toys, and other potentially dangerous objects may not always be visible. Shallow water, underwater logs, and large boulders can all be dangerous.

Stay within your abilities.

Swim just where you feel comfortable when you're in the water. Do not go any further or any deeper than you are capable of. Swim parallel to the coast and within specified limits on beaches. Be careful that chilly water or harsh circumstances can have an effect on your swimming abilities.

Do not consume alcohol.

Alcohol-related injuries are a typical occurrence around bodies of water, such as private pools, hot tubs, beaches, and swimming holes. Because it decreases your reaction time, alcohol can exacerbate accidents. Alcohol might also make you sleepy. In a hot tub, this is very deadly. Do not consume alcohol if you are in or near a body of water.

Take care of your ears.

To avoid swimmer's ear, which is an infection in the outer ear canal, dry your ears properly after swimming or wear a bathing hat or ear plugs. Children are more likely to contract the bacterial infection.

Where The Germs Originate

Heavy rains can transport pathogens from human and animal waste into swimming areas via runoff and sewer overflow. Beaches along Lake Erie are tested for E-coli bacteria on a regular basis, and health officials issue swim advisories based on the results. Water quality is unknown in other areas.

"You don't know what's in the water if you have a friend who has a lake in their backyard," Dr. Edwards explains.

Dr. Edwards observes that ponds with stagnant water heated by the sun are teeming with germs, making them especially dangerous.

"For most tiny ponds and lakes, it's not so much drainage as it is natural occurrences," she explains. "They're teeming with protozoa, fungi, and aquatic bacteria." Most individuals will be fine, but if you have an open wound, it can easily become infected."

Because chlorine is used to eliminate germs, public pools may appear to be completely safe. However, chlorine and pollution levels vary. Pools, she explains, may not be as sterile as you assume, especially if they are busy. Again, the risk is minor as long as you do not consume water.

Swimming is a really healthy sport for the vast majority of individuals, but knowledge is power.