Swimming & Getting Sick

It's a summer ritual, hitting the swimming pool on those hot days. But the government is warning us to be more careful before taking a dip.

It's about making sure you or your kids don't get sick swimming this year. But right up front this isn't a "don't swim warning," but more of a "take a few precautions" before getting in the pool.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention just issued a report identifying violations from routine swimming pool inspections done in thirteen states.

According to this report, recreational water illness have been happening more often with gastroenteritis--causing belly pain, vomiting and diarrhea--- being the most common. They say 1 out of every 8 pools could pose some type of risk mostly because they aren't disinfected properly.

But again, don't take this as a reason to miss out on pool fun this summer---but there are some steps they recommend to make sure you or your children don't get sick. Among these are common sense things like not swimming if you have diarrhea, that will only help spread it to others. Also, shower off with water "and" soap before getting in the pool. And perhaps most importantly don't swallow pool water and wash your hands when you get out.

If you are taking kids along have them take bathroom breaks or check their diapers often during the day. If you do change a diaper, go inside the bathroom so nothing from that diaper gets in the pool.

So this summer make sure you not only have fun in the pool but also keep healthy while you're doing it.