Getting into the water is probably one of almost everyone’s favorite things about summer. Americans swim hundreds of millions of times each year in pools, oceans, lakes, rivers, and hot tubs/spas, and usually these are safe and fun times for everyone. However, that favorite «swimming hole,” – whether your backyard or neighborhood pool, a nearby lake, or the ocean – may be hiding some nasty waterborne illnesses which can take the fun out of your water activities.

What is waterborne illness?

Waterborne illness may also be called recreational water illness (RWI), referring to illness caused by germs and/or chemicals found in the water we swim in. This group of illnesses are caused by swallowing or coming into contact with contaminated water in swimming pools, hot tubs, water parks, water play areas, interactive fountains, rivers, lakes, or oceans. RWIs can also be caused by chemicals in the water or chemicals that evaporate from the water.

The most commonly reported RWI is diarrhea (caused most often by Cryptosporidium, Giardia, E. coli, Shigella, and norovirus), but encompasses a wide variety of infections, including gastrointestinal, skin, ear, respiratory, eye, neurologic, and wound infections.

How can I keep from getting sick?

There are a few easy steps everyone can take each time we swim to help protect ourselves, our families, and our friends from RWIs. Here are some suggested steps for healthy swimming, whether in a pool or beach destination.

Before you get in:

• Check yourself. Keep bodily fluids, waste, and dirt out of the water. Stay out of the water if you have diarrhea or an open wound not covered by a waterproof bandage. Germs which cause diarrheal illness can live from minutes to days in pools, even if they are well-maintained. Many of these germs are quite tolerant to chlorine.