The Dangers Lurkingin Your Public Pool

THE DANGERS LURKING IN YOUR When most think of their public pool, they think of kids splashing around and adults swimming laps. Yet, reports show that nearly half of Americans admit to contributing to a unhealthy pool, and even more are unaware of the dangers that can result. PUBLIC POOL POOL STATISTICS UNSANITARY CONDITIONS On average, 41% of children (7-17) and 17.4% adults go swimming each year. 17% of polled adults admitted to urinating in a public pool. 78% believe their fellow swimmers guilty of urinating in the pool. 35% jump into a public pool without showering first. 41% 73% believe their fellow swimmers don't shower first. Only 36% say pool water cleanliness is on their mind when they jump in. There are 8.8 million residential and public-use swimming pools in the United States. 63% don't know about the illnesses associated with contaminated pool water. 19% of child drowning fatalities occur in public pools with life guards on duty. 19% In 2006, Americans (ages 7+) made about 339 million pool visits. WHAT'S THE ISSUE? So, with more people doing Urine, sweat and sun- screen contain nitrogen, which consumes a pool's could make you sick if free chlorine. Free chlorine kills waterborne germs that these things, there could be less chlorine to clean the you ingested them. water. Chlorine kills most bacteria in a minute if it is maintained at proper levels and ideal water conditions. Even at proper chlorine levels, some organisms that can cause illnesses can survive. Calendar SMTW TFS 1 2 3 The parasite, cryptosporidium, can survive up to days in chlorinated water. It was responsible For 31 recreational water outbreaks in 2007. 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Each year, more than 10,000 Americans are sickened by recreation water illnesses, which cause diarrhea, vomiting, cramps, fever and infections. HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHER SWIMMERS Speak to your pool operator to find out how they Shower before keep the pool clean and how often they check the chlorine levels. swimming so you don't bring any- thing into the water. Don't swim if you Make sure Don't swallow children take pool water; even a small amount can have diarrhea or have been having bathroom breaks often, and change diapers in approved areas. stomach make you sick. problems. SIGNS OF A CLEAN POOL SIGNS OF A SAFE POOL There is an experienced lifeguard on duty. Clear water. Smooth pool sides (no sticky or slipper tiles) Rescue equipment and first aid supplies are be nearby. Safety rules and warning signs are properly displayed. There isn't a strong odor, it should only smell a little of chlorine You can clearly see the bottom drain and/or the pool floor. Pool equipment is working The pool area isn't slippery. A LIFEGUARD'S RESPONSIBILITIES GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS Enforce rules. Each state has its own department (usually the Department of Health) that oversees public swimming pools. Observe and predict unsafe con- ditions that may lead to trouble. While their codes and regulations vary, their primary concern is to provide safe and sani- tary public swimming pools. They do that by requiring swimming pools meet certain qual- ity standards, and safety and engineering design standards. In addition, the depart- ment also enforces its rules and regulations via plan approvals and inspections. Carry out rescues and other emer- gency action, and provide first aid. 4. Help clean the pool and check the pool's pH and chlorine levels. Some teach swimming lessons and more. SOURCES: waterandhealth.org | news.consumerreports.org | nytimes.com | poolandpatio.about.com | edgarsnyder.com | rodale.com | cdc.gov/healthywater | poolaccidents.blogspot.com | livestrong.com idph.state.il.us dshs.state.tx.us | health.state.mn.us