Germ Prevention at the Pool
It’s finally summertime, which means most of your child’s days are going to be spent having fun in the sun. With the hot Georgia weather, going to the pool is probably on your list of summer activities. Swimming is fun and a great exercise, but it also poses a risk of illness.
According to the CDC, recreational water illnesses are common illnesses caused by germs and chemicals found in water such as swimming pools, hot tubs, water parks, lakes, oceans and rivers.
Children, pregnant women and people who have weaker immune systems are most likely to get ill from a recreational water illness. To keep your family safe this summer, AGC Pediatrics has tips on how to prevent germs in the pool.
According to the CDC, recreational water illnesses are common illnesses caused by germs and chemicals found in water such as swimming pools, hot tubs, water parks, lakes, oceans and rivers.
Children, pregnant women and people who have weaker immune systems are most likely to get ill from a recreational water illness. To keep your family safe this summer, AGC Pediatrics has tips on how to prevent germs in the pool.
Avoid Swallowing Water
Swallowing or having contact with water that has been contaminated with germs can cause diarrheal illness. Avoid illness by encouraging your child not to swallow water.
When teaching them to swim, show them how to come up for air. Make sure they are closing their mouth underwater and blowing bubbles out of their nose.
When teaching them to swim, show them how to come up for air. Make sure they are closing their mouth underwater and blowing bubbles out of their nose.
Practice Good Hygiene
The CDC recommends taking a shower before swimming. Rinsing off for even one minute removes most dirt and germs from your body that can help keep the pool clean.
Keep your child out of the water if they have any open wound that is not covered by a waterproof bandage. Even a small cut on the knee could contaminate the water with germs.
To avoid any accidents in the pool, take your kids on frequent bathroom breaks. It is recommended that parents take children on bathroom breaks every 30 to 60 minutes.
Change babies’ diapers in the bathrooms, not beside the pool. Be sure to wash your hands before getting back in the water.
Keep your child out of the water if they have any open wound that is not covered by a waterproof bandage. Even a small cut on the knee could contaminate the water with germs.
To avoid any accidents in the pool, take your kids on frequent bathroom breaks. It is recommended that parents take children on bathroom breaks every 30 to 60 minutes.
Change babies’ diapers in the bathrooms, not beside the pool. Be sure to wash your hands before getting back in the water.
Check the Pool Before Jumping In
A well maintained pool is less likely to contain germs. Look for the pool’s latest inspection results to be sure that the pool is being maintained properly.
Check to be sure the drains in the bottom of the pool are visible, appear secured and are in good condition.
Chlorine does help in killing germs, but some germs are resistant. It is still important that the chlorine levels in the pool are correct. You can test this with pool test strips, which can tell you if the water’s pH and chlorine concentration are correct. According to the CDC, pH should be 7.2-7.8 and chlorine should have a concentration of at least 3 ppm.
Check to be sure the drains in the bottom of the pool are visible, appear secured and are in good condition.
Chlorine does help in killing germs, but some germs are resistant. It is still important that the chlorine levels in the pool are correct. You can test this with pool test strips, which can tell you if the water’s pH and chlorine concentration are correct. According to the CDC, pH should be 7.2-7.8 and chlorine should have a concentration of at least 3 ppm.
Take a Break Every Hour
The CDC recommends taking a break from swimming once every hour. Take time to go to the restroom, check diapers, and reapply sunscreen. Make sure you and your child are staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Taking a break will ensure that you and your children are staying safe from germs in the pool.
Schedule an Appointment with AGC Pediatrics!
Learn more about keeping your child safe and healthy this summer by booking an appointment with one of our caring physicians.
Call 706-625-5900 or visit our online patient portal to speak with a member of our team.
Call 706-625-5900 or visit our online patient portal to speak with a member of our team.
