How To Prevent Recreational Water Illnesses    

Swimming is one of the most fun recreational activities especially during the summer when the weather is always ideal for a day at the beach or the pool. Usually, the whole family would go out on an outing together for a swim. Children most especially love playing with the water and even frolic around for hours and hours.

Aside from keeping a watchful eye over the children when they are swimming, parents must also be wary of keeping them safe from illnesses that can be acquired from the water in beaches or pools. Swimming in pools or  beaches especially when they are open to the public may be risky for one’s health as the water may be dirty or contaminated with germs such as bacteria and viruses.

Sicknesses associated with dirty water from pools, beaches, and other recreational swimming places are called Recreational Water Illnesses (RWI). These are usually common in swimming pools that are not properly maintained. Such illnesses include diarrhea, skin, ear, respiratory, eye, and wound infections. Families should be aware of such risks and vigilant in preventing these illnesses from occurring.

The most important step to follow in preventing RWIs is by practicing good hygiene always. Before going in the pool, one should shower and proper swimming attire must be worn as well. Germs on your body and clothes may end up in the water if such steps are not followed. For people who are already sick (having a flu, a case of diarrhea, or eye diseases), they should not be allowed to go swimming. They may only spread the germs to the water and cause other people to get sick too. 

Parents should always remind children that they should not swallow the water while playing in the pool.  After swimming, always take another shower to get rid of any germs that may have clung onto the skin and hair. With proper knowledge of RWIs and the right prevention, your whole family can always have that fun and healthy swimming experience whenever and wherever.