If the chemicals used to kill germs (chlorine or bromine) in pools, hot tubs, and water playgrounds are not kept at the right level, these germs can multiply and make swimmers sick. Public pools are required by law to maintain a level of disinfectant in the pool when operating.
How to Stay Healthy
- Always shower before and after swimming.
- Do not swim if you have diarrhea.
- Avoid swallowing any water.
- Shower before you get in the pool.
- Don’t go in if you have any open cuts or wounds.
Norovirus spreads easily through water, food, and contaminated surfaces. Shigella and norovirus make their way into the water park via feces, where they infect park-goers who swallow tainted water.
Chlorine doesn’t kill germs instantly which means germs can spread even in properly maintained pools, splash pads, or water parks. The most common symptoms of recreational water illnesses include diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and fever. RWIs can also cause skin, ear, eye, respiratory, or neurologic symptoms.
Cryptosporidium, or crypto, is resistant to chlorine and can cause severe stomach illness. Swallowing just a mouthful of water contaminated with crypto can make healthy people sick for up to three weeks.
Research has confirmed the presence of harmful microbes like E. coli in water parks. E. coli can cause diarrhea.
Understanding Water Park Sickness
Water park sickness, or waterborne illness, is caused by pathogens in recreational water settings like water parks and swimming pools. These illnesses are a concern for water park managers and can result in negative outcomes like negative press and lawsuits. Common symptoms include diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever, respiratory problems, and skin infections.
Waterborne illness is primarily caused by swallowing contaminated recreational or drinking water. However, many pathogens can also be spread through contaminated food or beverages, contact with animals, person-to-person contact, or inhaling contaminated water droplets.
Illnesses can result from the improper use of chlorine and other pH-maintaining chemicals. The most common injury at a water park is slipping and falling, often due to running in wet areas.
To check water quality, bring test strips to monitor chlorine levels and pH.
There are over 1,300 water parks in the United States. It’s important to research and find out which parks have a good reputation for safety and cleanliness.
A study by the University of Arizona indicated that up to 10 grams of fecal matter per child can end up in water parks. Crypto, which is resistant to chlorine, causes the majority of gastrointestinal outbreaks involving pools and water parks.
Symptoms and Precautions
Swimming in pools, splash pads, hot tubs, or water parks can make you sick if you swallow contaminated water. To prevent catching an illness, follow these precautions:
- Do not swallow pool water.
- Shower before entering the pool.
- Don’t swim if you have open cuts or wounds.
Depending on the pathogens involved, swimming-related illnesses can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
- Diarrhea
- Skin rashes
- Ear pain
- Cough or congestion
- Eye pain
Remember to:
- Choose water parks wisely, considering safety and cleanliness.
- Follow park rules to minimize the risk of accidents or illnesses.
- Use test strips for checking water quality.
- Seek medical attention for severe or persistent symptoms.