Protection Against Illnesses

Pool User Information: Protect Yourself from Recreational Water Illnesses by Remembering to Swim Your LAAPS!

Look… at the pool and surroundings. What should you notice?

• Clean and clear pool water; you should be able to clearly see any painted stripes and the bottom of the pool.
• Smooth pool sides; tiles should not be sticky or slippery.
• No odor; a well-chlorinated pool has little odor. A strong chemical smell indicates a maintenance problem.
• Pool equipment working; pool pumps and filtration systems make noise and you should hear them running.

Ask… questions of the pool staff.

• What specialized training did the staff take to prepare for working at or operating the pool?
• Are chlorine and pH levels checked at least twice per day?
• Are these levels checked during times when the pool is most heavily used?
• Are trained operation staff available during the weekends when the pool is most heavily used?
• What was the health inspector’s grade for the pool after its last inspection?

Act… by being proactive and educating others.

• Learn about recreational water illnesses and educate other users and your pool operator.
• Urge your pool management to spread the word about RWIs to pool staff and pool users.
• Let your pool operator know that the health and well being of all swimmers is a priority for you.
• Check the pool water yourself for adequate chlorine (1-2 parts per million) and pH (7.2-7.8) levels.
• Pool and spa chlorine test strips are available at local home improvement stores, discount retailers and pool supply stores.

Practice…. healthy swimming behaviors

• Refrain from swimming when you have diarrhea.
• Avoid swallowing pool water or even getting it in your mouth.
• Shower before swimming and wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers.
• Take children on bathroom breaks or check diapers often.
• Change diapers in a bathroom and not at poolside and thoroughly clean the diaper changing area.
  

Safety… is always important.

• Keep an eye on children at all times, kids can drown in seconds and in silence.
• Don’t use air-filled swimming aids (such as “water wings”) with children in place of life jackets or life preservers.
• Protect against sunburn by using a sunscreen with at least SPF 15 and both UVA and UVB protection, and be sure to re-apply it after swimming.

Source: Centers for Disease Control