Recreational water illnesses: Prevention and precaution

Hot weather makes public pools, fountains, water parks and splash pads attractive options for some refreshing fun. But despite the sunny weather, laughter and playing, these public water areas are not all fun and games. With so many people using public water amenities, often without showering first, these areas can soon become sources of common recreational water illnesses.

What are recreational water illnesses?

Recreational water illnesses are illnesses caused by bacteria or chemicals found in the water that your child swims or plays in. Bacteria can be spread by swallowing, breathing or having contact with contaminated water.

Signs and symptoms of recreational water illnesses

Recreational water illnesses can appear as many different infections, including skin, stomach, ear and eye infections. Common recreational water illness symptoms are fever, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal (tummy) cramps.

Why it is important to take precautions before entering water

Most parents are usually quick to remind their children not to drink water in public areas, but some find it hard to explain why their kids should rinse off before entering the water. This is especially true when many public pools use large amounts of chlorine to kill the kinds of bacteria that can lead to recreational water illnesses.

However, some bacteria are difficult to kill. Cryptosporidium (or Crypto, for short) is one type of bacteria that can live for days, even in properly disinfected water. It can cause cryptosporidiosis, an infection that targets the intestines and can cause diarrhea.

Another reason to take precautions is the risk of spreading infection through even very small traces of stool (poo). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States estimates that most people have about 0.14 grams of feces on their bottoms that, when washed off in a pool, can contaminate recreational water. If someone in the pool has diarrhea, their stool can contain millions of bacteria and easily contaminate the water in a large pool or water park.

How to prevent recreational water illnesses

• Ensure your child showers with soap before entering public water.
• Take your child on frequent bathroom breaks.
• Make sure to regularly check diapers in babies and toddlers.
• Change diapers in the bathroom, not beside the public water or on the pool deck.
• Wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers.
• Show your child how to follow a proper hand washing routine.
• Remind your child not to swallow or drink the water.
• Do not let your child enter a public pool or other area of water if they have diarrhea.

Sources

Recreational Water Illnesses. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/swimmers/rwi.html.