Swimming is a popular activity with millions of people visiting recreational water sites such as swimming pools, water parks, hot springs, lakes, or the ocean. It is fun, active, and a healthy way to spend leisure time. 

However, you should guard you and your family against the dangers of Recreational Water Illnesses (or RWI) no matter how stringent the disinfection systems in pools or environmental improvements in lakes, rivers, and oceans, can be. Choose to swim healthy be following these guidelines.

Do not swallow pool water – Avoid getting water in your mouth. If you did, try spitting it out. Swallowing infected pool water could cause stomach upsets or even worse illnesses.

Practice good hygiene – Take a shower before swimming. Wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers. Germs that you do not wash off are transferred to the pool once you take a dip in it.

Do not swim when you have diarrhea – This is also important for kids in diapers, as it causes infectious germs to spread in the water and make other people sick.

Do not urinate while on water – Urine, like fecal matter, could cause illness to you and your children. 

Check diapers often – Take your kids on frequent bathroom breaks and diaper checks. Waiting for your children to alert you when they want to go to the bathroom may mean that it’s too late.

Change diapers in the bathroom – Do not change diapers by the poolside. Remember that germs can spread everywhere, including surfaces and objects in and around the pool.

Wash your child thoroughly – Keep you child clean with soap and water before swimming, especially at the rear end. Everyone has invisible amounts of fecal matter on their bottoms that might end up in the pool.

Avoid infected pools – If a child accidentally makes a potty break in the pool, do not swim in it, even if it’s a big pool. Look for other pools or even other activities that your family will enjoy.