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News
Healthy
Waters, Healthy Swimmers
Posted 22 May 2009
With Memorial Day
weekend just around the corner, May 18 through 24 has been designated
as National Recreational Water Illness (RWI) Week. The Iowa Dept. of
Public Health (IDPH) joins in this observance to raise awareness about
prevention of illnesses and injuries caused by swallowing, breathing in
vapors of, or having contact with contaminated water in swimming pools,
water parks, spas, lakes, and rivers.
This year's RWI Prevention Week focuses on injuries associated with
pool chemicals. "Pool chemicals make the water where we swim safer by
protecting us from germs," said Mike Magnant, the IDPH leader for state
pool inspections. "These same chemicals can also cause injuries if
they're not properly handled." Public pool operators and residential
pool owners can protect themselves and swimmers by following these
steps:
* Always store pool chemicals in a safe place, away
from children and animals.
* Always read the product name and manufacturer's
directions before each use.
* Always use appropriate protective gear, including
safety glasses and gloves, when handling pool chemicals.
* Never mix chlorine products with each other, acid,
or other substances.
The best way to prevent RWIs is to keep germs out of the pool in the
first place:
* Don't swim when you have diarrhea.
* Don't swallow pool water.
* Shower with soap before swimming and wash your
hands after using the toilet or changing diapers.
* Take your kids on bathroom breaks or check diapers
often.
* Change diapers in a bathroom or diaper-changing
area - not at poolside.
For more information on RWI Prevention Week, visit www.cdc.gov/healthyswimming | | |
