Healthy Swimming are the behaviors that protect swimmers from recreational water illnesses (RWI), and help stop germs from entering the pool. To prevent RWI's, members who attend water facilities should follow a series of steps to achieve healthy swimming. First, you shouldn't swim when you have diarrhea, because germs can spread in water and cause swimmers to be ill. Second, swimmers should avoid swallowing water. Third, you should practice good hygiene, and shower with soap before entering the pool to prevent the spread of germs. I never understood why I had to shower before entering the pool, but it is clear to me know that is one step of healthy swimming.
Moreover, parents with young children should also follow a series of guidelines. First, parents ought to have bathroom breaks for their children. If a parent or guardian waits until their child says, "I have to go potty" then it may be too late. Second, diapers should be changed in the bathroom, not on the deck. This also prevents germs of spreading. Lastly, hygiene for children is vital. Parents ought to wash their child thoroughly, including their behind. For instance, there invisible fecal matter can end up in the pool if a child is not bathed before entering the pool.
Now that we, participants of water facilities, are informed of healthy swimming, we can enjoy ourselves in the company of loved ones. We can swim, play water basketball, splash, and lay out in the sun, while preventing germs from spreading.
The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. (2010). Six steps of healthy swimming: protection against recreational water illnesses (RWIs). Retrieved February 27, 2011 from http://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/pools/six-steps-healthy-swimming.html
The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. (2010). Six steps of healthy swimming: protection against recreational water illnesses (RWIs). Retrieved February 27, 2011 from http://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/pools/six-steps-healthy-swimming.html
I have never enjoyed swimming mostly because I was always so grossed out by the fact that so many people use the public pool, I mean, who is stopping them from peeing in the pool?! NO ONE! It is very alarming to know that you can get really sick from swimming, especially if people don't take extra precautions before entering the pool. At my local park district, they have a locker room and showers in a designated area that you pass through before you enter the pool. Having worked at the park district, I can't tell you how many people avoided the showers and just jumped straight in the pool. Since we have ample amount of pools and slides and cool gadgets that shoot up water, most of the swimmers are children. Parents need to be more aware of the dangers of swimming and need to take extra precautions when letting their children get in the pool. They need to understand the germs that can be passed and need to make smart decisions like showering their child beforehand. This was very interesting!!! I just hope that people realize that this is a serious issue and they need to make sure they are doing everything they can to help stop the spread of infection and germs.
ReplyDeleteI am a fish when the weather is good or when I can get away to an indoor pool. I have always been right at hoe in the water. I appreciate your blog and the information that it contains. THANKS !
ReplyDeleteAlpha,
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you're talking about. Not only was I a swimmer and played water polo in high school, but I was also employed by a recreational water facility. I got to see two different setting regarding healthy swimming. In comparing the two, I would have to say that the high school was, by far, cleaner and detained germs from spreading. Every morning before school started, the pools would be cared for. The couches measured the chlorine level, as well as kept the locker rooms orderly. On the other hand, the recreational locker rooms were ten times worse. You would think that the men's locker room would be filthier than the women's, but the women's locker room proved to be the messiest. One reason is because children usually go to the restroom with their mother. Thus, making germs spread quicker.
I agree one hundred percent! Parents need to be more aware of healthy swimming in order to prevent the spread of illnesses to members on deck.
Pennie,
I am the same way. I love the pool and laying out in the sun. I'm glad you enjoyed my article.
This is really interesting! I never thought about how gross a pool can get from all the germs and bacteria. Since I am not much of a pool person, I rarely go swimming. However, for someone who is an avid swimmer or for families who enjoy pool days, this is information that they should really be aware of. Everyone who enjoys going to the pool needs to do their part in preventing the spread of germs and sicknesses.
ReplyDeleteI think this blog topic is very interesting! I had no idea that there were so many things that needed to be taken care of before entering a pool. However all this makes sense and is very important. Hygiene is key in preventing disease and I never really realized how little kids could transmit disease through fecal matter if they did not get properly cleaned. I think most just think that a pool is to have fun in and cool down in. I really think your post is great and can't wait to hear more awareness tips. I enjoy going to the pools and this makes me more aware when staying at hotel pools.
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite things to do in the summer is to go boating on the lake. I bet that the lake water is alot more nasty than the pool water. It kinda sick to think about.
ReplyDeleteThis information is true and gross. My very first job when I was a teenager was at a local pool. So I saw first hand the hygiene issues. I agree that parents should always take bathroom breaks with children, because many times they do not want to stop playing.
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