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May 17, 2010

Enjoy the Water and Stay Healthy

Area Pool Operators Join Forces in Support of 2010 National Recreational Water Illness (RWI) Prevention Week

The week before Memorial Day (May 24–30, 2010) is National Recreational Water Illness (RWI) Prevention Week. The Central District Health Department (CDHD) and area pool operators want to raise awareness about healthy swimming behaviors, including ways to prevent recreational water illnesses (RWIs). RWIs are caused by germs spread by swallowing, breathing in mists or aerosols of, or having contact with contaminated water in swimming pools, water parks, hot tubs, interactive fountains, water play areas, lakes, rivers and canals.

“We don’t want a repeat of 2007 when our health district saw over 240 cases of Cryptosporidiosis,” said Tom Schmalz, who oversees CDHD’s pool inspection program.

“Two of our splash parks now use only fresh water, instead of recirculating the water,” Michael Echeita, Eagle Public Works Director said. “Still parents and their children can help reduce RWIs by keeping germs out of the water where they play.”

The themes of RWI Prevention Week 2010 are pool inspections and the Triple A’s of Healthy Swimming. Pool inspection data can help pool programs identify common problems and determine priorities for keeping their facilities healthy. Having the right disinfectant and pH levels in recreational water is essential to stopping the spread of germs that cause RWIs. Although pool inspectors check to make sure these levels are right, they can’t be at every pool every day. In fact, Environmental Health Specialists from CDHD only inspect publicly-owned pools. So private pools, like those at hotels and motels, in subdivisions and condo developments and private health clubs, have added responsibilities in making sure swimmers have a healthy swimming experience every time.

"Roaring Springs has taken a leadership role in the waterpark industry in battling water borne illness, says Patrick Morandi, Managing Partner at Roaring Springs. "We've installed the latest technology, including ultraviolet light for the cleanest possible water in our Kiddie Pool."

Regardless of where people swim or enjoy water features, like splash parks, patrons are encouraged to follow the Triple A’s of Healthy Swimming: Awareness, Action, and Advocacy.

Awareness

• Visit CDC’s Healthy Swimming website
• Visit CDHD’s Swimming Pool resource page
• Learn how to protect yourself and others from RWIs and follow the Six Steps for Healthy Swimming (listed below)

Action

• Check pool water yourself using a pool and spa test kit purchased at your local pool supply store
• Ask the pool operator about chlorine and pH levels and how often they test

Advocacy

• Encourage pool operators to take steps shown to kill the germs that cause RWIs
• Educate other swimmers about RWIs to promote healthy swimming

“While the City of Meridian has taken technological steps to reduce the possibility of exposure to germs like Crypto, it’s still important for parents to keep sick children out of the water,” says Steve Siddoway, Director of Meridian Parks and Recreation. “Recreational water illnesses are not something you should share with friends and neighbors.”

Recreational Water Illnesses (RWIs)

The best way to prevent RWIs is to keep germs out of the pool in the first place. Follow these six steps for a safe and healthy swimming experience:

Three Steps for all Swimmers

• Don’t swim when you have diarrhea.
• Don’t swallow pool water.
• Practice good hygiene. Shower with soap before swimming and wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers. Germs on your body end up in the water.

Three Steps for Parents of Young Children

• Take your kids on bathroom breaks or check diapers often.
• Change diapers in a bathroom or a diaper-changing area and not at poolside.
• Wash your children thoroughly (especially the rear end) with soap and water before they go swimming.

“The City of Boise has concentrated on educating those using its many pool and water recreation sites,” says George Scott Aquatics Coordinator for Boise Parks and Recreation. “RWI prevention starts with good hygiene, like taking a shower before you swim.”

CDHD has educational materials available for all pool operators to display and distribute to their patrons. Pool operators may call the Environmental Health area at CDHD at 327-7499 for more information.

The general public can get more information about healthy swimming by visiting these websites:

• CDC’s Healthy Swimming website
• CDHD’s Swimming Pool resource page