From flesh-eating bacteria to E.Coli, the water is not always fine.
More than just good fun or an effective way to beat the heat through summertime, swimming can be a fantastic way to work some low-intensity exercise into your routine.
But whether swimming laps in the pool or splashing through the waves at the beach, maintaining proper water hygiene and safety is important to avoiding what physicians call Recreational Water-Related Illnesses, or RWIs.
What Is A Recreational Water-Related Illness?
Bacteria and parasites live in every natural body of water, from the biggest ocean to the smallest pond. Some of these can be harmful, if they find a way into the human body. (In swimming pools, chlorine is commonly used to kill these harmful contaminants but must be properly maintained to be effective.)
If you contract an RWI, gastrointestinal symptoms are the most common. Some RWIs will cause symptoms within hours of swimming, others may incubate for more than a week.
“Flesh-Eating Bacteria”
Known to doctors as Vibrio vulnificus, this fast-spreading infection can quickly turn fatal, if left untreated.
Found in warm salty waters, the bacteria enter the body through the mouth, nose, or open wound, often causing symptoms within 24 hours.
If you are showing symptoms of a Vibrio vulnificus infection, immediately call 9-1-1 and seek emergency care.
Learn more about avoiding, spotting, and treating flesh-eating bacteria here.
Common Recreational Water-Related Illnesses
- E. Coli: A bacterial infection that causes diarrhea and stomach pain, as well as possible fever. It is contagious and may require antibiotics.
- Salmonella: Most commonly thought of as food poisoning, salmonella bacteria can also be found in untreated waters and can cause flu-like symptoms, including diarrhea, vomiting, headache, and fever.
- Giardiasis: One of the most common RWIs in the US, this parasitic infection of the small intestine causes watery diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, stomach pain, gas, and weight loss. Symptoms may last two to six weeks.
- Pseudomonas Dermatitis/Folliculitis: Also known as “Hot Tub Rash,” this bacterial infection appears as skin irritation and stems from prolonged contact with contaminated water. It thrives in poorly maintained hot tubs.
- Cryptosporidiosis: A parasitic infection causing watery diarrhea, vomiting, fever, loss of appetite, and stomach pain. Medical treatment is not typically necessary but hydration will be key.
The vast majority of RWIs will clear up on their own, but it’s important to rest and stay hydrated.
However, if you have a fever over 103°, are unable to keep fluids down, experience confusion, or have symptoms that are severe or lasting for more than a few days, contact a healthcare professional and seek immediate emergency care.
Prevent Recreational Water-Related Illnesses with Water Hygiene
The simple but gross fact is that most waterborne illnesses and parasitic infections are the result of poop in the water. This is why water hygiene is so important.
Follow these simple tips for basic water hygiene:
- Don’t Drink The Water
Directly ingesting bacteria and parasites is the best way to get sick, so keeping the water out of your mouth is the best way to avoid it. This includes chlorinated pools, which can still contain dangerous germs.
- Don’t Swim With Open Cuts/Wounds
A direct line to the bloodstream is also a good way to contract an RWI, so avoid swimming with open cuts, even if bandaged. This includes scrapes and bites. If you are injured while in the water, get out and clean the wound well before bandaging.
- Shower Before and After Swimming
Showering before swimming keeps your germs out of the water and showering after washes off any germs you picked up while swimming. Both are important habits for water hygiene.
Is It Safe to Swim?
Yes. Swimming can still be a fun and safe activity for the whole family. RWIs are something to be aware of but should not be cause to give up on the water altogether.
But before swimming in natural bodies of water, there are a few steps you can take to gauge whether it’s safe to swim.
- Check with the relevant city/county/state authorities to see if there is a swim advisory in effect.
- Be wary after heavy rains, as it can wash animal droppings, fertilizers and other contaminants into the water in high concentrations.
- Avoid cloudy water, as it can be a sign of harmful algae bloom.
- And do not swim in any body of water with pipes draining in or around it.
If the water's fine, jump right in. Just don’t drink it.
Written by Sarasota Memorial copywriter Philip Lederer, MA, who crafts a variety of external communications for the healthcare system. SMH's in-house wordsmith, Lederer earned his Master's degree in Public Administration and Political Philosophy from Morehead State University, KY, and doggy paddles at an Olympic level.