Press Release

May 18, 2009

 

Pool Season Begins – Enjoy the Water, But Be Safe

 May 18-24, 2009 National Recreational Water Illness Prevention Week  

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – As swimming pools, water parks and beaches prepare to open for the season this upcoming Memorial Day weekend, Dr. Damon T. Arnold, Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Director is encouraging safe pool preparation and healthy swimming behaviors to prevent related illnesses during National Recreational Water Illness Prevention Week.

“This summer, swimming pools will be filled with millions of people having fun and staying cool. But improper pool chemicals and germs may be in the water, which is why it is important to learn about recreational water illnesses and what you can do to protect yourself,” said Dr. Arnold.

The theme for this year’s Recreational Water Illness (RWI) Prevention Week focuses on injuries associated with pool chemicals. Pool chemicals are used to make the water safer to swim in by killing germs. However, these same pool chemicals can also cause injuries if they are not properly handled. This type of preventable injury leads to thousands of emergency room visits each year. Residential pool owners can protect themselves and swimmers by taking these key steps:

  • ALWAYS secure pool chemicals: Keep children and animals away.
  • ALWAYS read product name and manufacturer’s directions before each use.
  • ALWAYS use appropriate protective gear, such as safety glasses and gloves, when handling pool chemicals.
  • NEVER mix chlorine products with each other, acid, or other substances.

Improper chemical balance in pools, water parks and spas can be identified by burning eyes, nose and lungs. The following are things you can look for to prevent illness.

  • Clean and clear pool water; you should be able to clearly see any painted stripes and the bottom of the pool.
  • Smooth pool sides; tiles should not be sticky or slippery.
  • No odor; a well-chlorinated pool has little odor. A strong chemical smell indicates a maintenance problem.
  • Pool equipment working; you should hear pool pumps and filtration running and feel water coming into the pool from submerged inlets.
  • Skimmers or gutters should not be flooded, but have a thin layer of water running over the edge.

Recreational water illnesses (RWIs) are also caused by germs like Crypto (short for Cryptosporidium), Giardia, E. coli 0157:H7, and Shigella, and are spread by accidentally swallowing water that has been contaminated with fecal matter. You share the water with everyone in the pool. If someone with diarrhea contaminates the water, swallowing the water can make you sick. Most germs are killed by chlorine, but some germs, like Crypto, are resistant to chlorine and can live in pools for days. That is why even the best maintained pools can spread illnesses. Therefore, healthy swimming behaviors are needed to protect swimmers from RWIs and will help stop germs from getting in the pool in the first place. The following are six “PLEAs” that promote healthy swimming:

  • PLEASE don’t swim when you have diarrhea. This is especially important for kids in diapers. You can spread germs in the water and make other people sick.
  • PLEASE don’t swallow the pool water. In fact, avoid getting water in your mouth.
  • PLEASE practice good hygiene. Take a shower before swimming and wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers. Germs on your body end up in the water.
  • PLEASE take your kids on bathroom breaks or change diapers often. Waiting to hear “I have to go” may mean that it’s too late.
  • PLEASE change diapers in a bathroom and not at poolside. Germs can spread to surfaces and objects in and around the pool and spread illness.
  • PLEASE wash your child thoroughly (especially the rear end) with soap and water before swimming. Everyone has invisible amounts of fecal matter on their bottoms that ends up in the pool.

General safety precautions should also be taken when swimming such as wearing sunscreen and using caution on slick decks or near diving boards and water slides.

In order to minimize these risks, the Illinois Department of Public Health requires the state's 3,500 licensed swimming facilities to meet water quality and safety standards, including engineering design standards that apply to pools, spas, beaches, water supplies, bather preparation areas, and water treatment systems.

For more information about recreational water illness prevention visit http://www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/swimmingpools.htm.





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