Recreational Water Illnesses

Newsletter Training SwimTeams

What is the first thing that pops into your head when you think about water safety? Drowning? Lightning? Slipping? All are important safety issues. But you should know that people often become sick from germs found in contaminated recreational water.

What are Recreational Water Illnesses (RWIs)?

RWIs are the various illnesses caused by germs that can contaminate water in pools, lakes and the ocean. The most common RWI is diarrhea, caused by germs like Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Shigella, and E. coli O157:H7.

How is Diarrhea Spread?

Pool water is shared by every swimmer. A person with diarrhea can easily contaminate the pool with fecal matter. Diarrhea is then spread when swimmers swallow this contaminated pool water.

Does Chlorine Protect Against RWIs?

Yes, germs causing RWIs are killed by chlorine, but it doesn’t work right away. Some germs, like “Crypto”, can live in pools for days. Without your help, even the best-maintained pools can spread illness.

General Hygiene Guidelines for all Swimmers

  • Please do not swim when you have diarrhea. You can spread germs in the water and make other people sick.
  • Please do not swallow the pool water. In fact, avoid getting water in your mouth.
  • Please practice good hygiene. Take a shower before swimming and wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers. Germs on your body end up in the water.

Special Guidelines for Parents of Young Kids

  • Please take your kids on bathroom breaks or check diapers often. Waiting to hear “I have to go” may mean it’s too late.
  • Please change diapers in a bathroom and not at poolside. Germs can spread to surfaces and objects in and around the pool and spread illness.
  • Please wash your child thoroughly (especially the rear end) with soap and water before allowing them to swim to minimize fecal matter being transferred to the pool.

Dallas Family Waterpark

Helping Dallas youth learn to swim: The Teach a Child to Swim scholarship program

Drowning is the second leading cause of injury death of infants and children younger than 15 years old in the U.S. For every child who drowns, four children are hospitalized for near-drowning. Unfortunately, many families cannot afford the cost of swim lessons. You Can Help.

Donate to the Scholarship Fund

The Dallas Park and Recreation Department offers low cost swim lessons at locations throughout the city. For only $40, you can help us teach a child to swim. Your $40 donation will fund a two week session of swim lessons for one child. Swimming is a skill every child should learn. Swimming adds fun and fitness to a child’s life, and most importantly, may one day save their life.

Donate Now