State health officials are reminding Hoosiers to protect themselves from illness and injury in the pool as part of Healthy and Safe Swimming Week, which is observed May 22-28.
This year marks the 13th Healthy and Safe Swimming Week, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is focusing on preventing illnesses transmitted by fecal matter. Diarrhea is the most common recreational water illness and can be caused by many germs, including Cryptosporidium, which can survive for days even in properly chlorinated pools.
“Swimming is a great way to get exercise and cool off in the summer, but it’s important to remember that you are sharing the pool and the germs in it with everyone who goes in the water,” said State Health Commissioner Jerome M. Adams, M.D., M.P.H. “Knowing when to stay out of the water helps ensure that everyone enjoys a safe and healthy experience.”
To reduce the risk of contracting or transmitting a recreational water illness, swimmers should:
- Shower before and after getting in the water.
- Avoid urinating or defecating in the water.
- Stay out of the water if you have diarrhea and for two weeks after symptoms stop.
- Avoid swallowing the water.
- Check diapers and change them in a bathroom or diaper changing area—not poolside.
- Take children on regular bathroom breaks.
Swimmers should take steps to avoid sunburn, injury and heat-related illnesses. Tips include:
- Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or greater, and reapply often.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Provide continuous, attentive supervision for swimmers to prevent drowning.
- Never dive into above ground pools or shallow pools. Look for in-ground pool areas that are marked safe for diving.
- Never dive into an ocean, lake, or river that is not clear.
- Children should be at arm’s length from an adult while in the water.
- Life jackets are life savers and should be worn by young children and inexperienced swimmers at all times when around water.
Swimmers experiencing stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, headache, fever, muscle weakness or difficulty breathing should seek medical attention.
For more information on recreational water illnesses, visit www.in.gov/isdh/25828.htm. Information on public swimming pools and spas may be found at www.pools.isdh.in.gov. Visit the Indiana State Department of Health at www.StateHealth.in.gov or follow us on Twitter at @StateHealthIN and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/isdh1.
