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Risk
Factors
- Children under age one
most often drown in bathtubs, buckets, or toilets (Brenner et al. 2001).
- Among children ages 1 to
4 years, most drownings occur in residential swimming pools (Brenner et al.
2001). Most young children who drowned in pools were last seen in the home,
had been out of sight less than five minutes, and were in the care of one or
both parents at the time (Present 1987).
- Alcohol use is involved
in about 25% to 50% of adolescent and adult deaths associated with water
recreation (Howland et al. 1995; Howland and Hingson 1988). Alcohol
influences balance, coordination, and judgment, and its effects are
heightened by sun exposure and heat (Smith and Kraus 1988).
RWI's (recreational water illnesses)
Although most
bacteria, viruses and organisms are killed by the pool water being properly
sanitized, there are some that are resistant and take time to die even in a pool
with correct chlorine levels. Simply shocking a green pool blue once in a while
is not sufficient to ensure healthy water conditions
Diarrhea:
- Crypto
(Cryptosporidium)
- E.
coli 0157:H7
- Giardia
- Norovirus
- Salmonellosis
- Shigellosis
- Viral
gastroenteritis
Respiratory
infections:
- Legionellosis
(Legionaire’s Disease)
- Pontiac
fever
Skin,
ear and eye infections:
- Pseudomonas
Dermatitis
- Otitis
Externa
- Cercarial
Dermatitis
Other
Illnesses:
- Viral
Hepatitis A
- Leptospirosis
- Naegleria
Infection
How
do I protect myself and my family?
Most
importantly your pool water should be properly maintained, balanced and
sanitized. But there are some Healthy Swimming behaviors which can help to
protect you and your kids from recreational water illnesses (RWIs) and will help
stop germs from getting in the pool in the first place.
- Don’t swim when you
have diarrhea.
- Don’t swallow the pool
water.
- Practice good hygiene.
Take a shower before swimming and wash your hands after using the toilet or
after changing diapers.
- Take your kids on
bathroom breaks or check diapers often.
- Change diapers in a
bathroom and not at poolside.
- Wash your child
thoroughly (especially the rear end) with soap and water before swimming.
Ref: www.cdc.gov
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