As residents prepare for Memorial Day, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health would like to highlight the importance of safe swimming practices. The week before Memorial Day (May 19-25, 2008) has been designated as National Recreational Water Illness Prevention Week.
We want to encourage people to enjoy the great beaches, lakes, water parks, and swimming pools that Los Angeles County has to offer in the healthiest way possible, both in terms of great exercise and in great health, said Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, Director of Public Health and Health Officer. That means taking precautions to ensure that you, your friends or family don’t get sick from germs that are normally found in lakes and the ocean. Don’t swallow water while swimming or playing; do shower before entering a pool or spa, and practice good hygiene when visiting public swimming pools.
Swallowing, breathing, or having contact with germs in pools, spas, oceans, lakes, or rivers can cause recreational water illnesses (RWI). Diarrheal illnesses are most commonly reported and may be due to parasites and bacteria. Swimmers who ingest contaminated water could experience severe symptoms such as diarrhea, or milder symptoms such as bloating, cramping, and nausea.
It is especially important that swimmers and other recreational water users consider the following precautions when enjoying beaches, water parks, pools, or other venues:
– People should routinely disinfect their pools or spas using chlorine or an equivalent product. They should also use a filter to screen out solids.
– Swimmers, including children, who have diarrhea should never enter public water areas.
– Toddlers should use swim diapers and the diaper should be checked often. If it needs to be changed, this should be done in the restroom and not near the water.
– Swimmers should wash their hands after using the toilet, or after changing a child’s diaper.
– Swimmers, including children, should practice good hygiene by showering before entering the water.
– Children should be taught to not swallow water either in swimming pools, in the ocean or in a lake.
Children ages one to nine years of age are particularly vulnerable to infection as they tend to swallow water indiscriminately. Pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems are also at greater risk. Locally, people can find LA County public swimming pool inspection reports on the Public Health Web site at
www.publichealth.lacounty.gov to review recent closures or complaints.