More than just good fun or an effective way to beat the heat through summertime, swimming can be a fantastic way to work some low-intensity exercise into your routine.
But whether swimming laps in the pool, water-skiing at a freshwater lake, or splashing through the waves at the beach, maintaining proper water hygiene and safety is important to avoiding what physicians call Recreational Water-Related Illnesses, or RWIs.
RWIs can affect most of the body, from the eyes and ears to lungs and skin, but gastrointestinal symptoms are the most common. Some will cause symptoms within hours of swimming, others may incubate for more than a week.
What Is A Recreational Water-Related Illness?
Bacteria and parasites live in every natural body of water, from the biggest ocean to the smallest pond. Some of these can be harmful if they find a way into the human body. In swimming pools, chlorine is used to keep them under control, but needs to be properly maintained to be effective.
The simple, but gross, fact is that most of these waterborne illnesses and parasitic infections are the result of poop in the water.
Common Recreational Water-Related Illnesses
- E. Coli: A bacterial infection that causes diarrhea and stomach pain, as well as possible fever. It is contagious and may require antibiotics.
- Salmonella: Most commonly thought of as food poisoning, salmonella bacteria can also be found in untreated waters and can cause nasty flu-like symptoms, including diarrhea, vomiting, headache, and fever.
- Cryptosporidiosis: A parasitic infection causing watery diarrhea, vomiting, fever, loss of appetite, and stomach pain, medical treatment is not typically necessary but hydration will be key.
- Giardiasis: One of the most common RWIs in the US, this parasitic infection of the small intestine causes watery diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, stomach pain, gas, and weight loss. Symptoms may last two to six weeks.
- Pseudomonas Dermatitis/Folliculitis: Also known as “Hot Tub Rash,” this bacterial infection appears as skin irritation and stems from prolonged contact with contaminated water. As the name would suggest, it can thrive in poorly maintained hot tubs, but can also be found in nature.
How To Prevent Recreational Water-Related Illnesses
All of the illnesses/infections listed above have a single common cause: poop in the water. So the number one rule to avoiding RWIs is simple:
- Don’t Drink The Water
Directly ingesting bacteria and parasites is the best way to get infected, so keeping the water out of your mouth is the best way to avoid it. This includes chlorinated pools, which can still contain dangerous germs.
- Don’t Swim With Open Cuts/Wounds
A direct line to the bloodstream is also a good way to contract an RWI, so avoid swimming with open cuts, even if bandaged. If you are injured while in the water, get out and clean the wound well before bandaging.
- Shower Before and After Swimming
Showering before swimming helps keep your germs out of the water and showering after washes off any germs you may have picked up while swimming. Both are important habits for water hygiene.
And before swimming in natural bodies of water, there are a few steps you can take to gauge whether it’s safe to swim.
- Check with the relevant city/county/state authorities to see if there is a swim advisory in effect.
- Be wary after heavy rains, as it can wash animal droppings, fertilizers and other contaminants into the water in high concentrations.
- Avoid cloudy water, as it can be a sign of harmful algae bloom.
- And do not swim in any bodies of water with pipes draining in or around it.
How To Treat Recreational Water-Related Illnesses
The vast majority of RWIs will clear up on their own, but it’s important to rest and stay hydrated.
However, if you have a fever over 103°, are unable to keep fluids down, experience confusion, or have symptoms that are severe or lasting for more than a few days, contact a healthcare professional.
Should I Be Swimming At All?
Yes. Swimming can still be a fun and safe activity for the whole family.
RWIs are something to be aware of but should not be cause to give up on the water altogether.
Just don’t drink it.
Written by Sarasota Memorial copywriter Philip Lederer, MA, who crafts a variety of external communications for the healthcare system. SMH’s in-house wordsmith, Lederer earned his Master’s degree in Public Administration and Political Philosophy from Morehead State University, KY, and doggy paddles at an Olympic level.