This summer, swimming pools are filled with millions of people having fun and staying cool. But did you know that germs can contaminate swimming water even if it is treated with chlorine?
This summer, learning about recreational water illnesses (RWIs), which are spread by swimming in contaminated water, such as swimming pools, waterparks, lakes and the ocean, can protect you from illness.
RWIs are caused by germs like "Crypto" (KRIP-toe, short for Cryptosporidium), Giardia (gee-ARE-dee-uh), E. coli 0157:H7, and Shigella (Shi-GE-luh) and are spread by accidentally swallowing water that has been contaminated with fecal matter. Remember, you share the water with everyone in the pool.
Germs causing RWIs are killed by chlorine, but chlorine doesn’t work right away. It takes time to kill germs. Plus, some germs like Crypto are resistant to chlorine and can live in pools for days. That is why even the best maintained pools can spread illness. Healthy swimming behaviors are needed to protect you and your family from RWIs and will help stop germs from getting in the pool in the first place.
