Protect your Children from RWIs

Due to drastic rises in swimming-related illnesses over the past several years, the CDC has created a new term: RWI (Recreational Water Illness). Most RWIs are caused by bacterial contamination of the pool or spa. RWIs are dangerous, painful, and can hit both children and adults. Common effects of RWIs include earaches, stomachaches, vomiting, diarrhea, and eye irritation. By testing for potentially dangerous RWI-causing bacteria, you may prevent many RWI outbreaks.  (Read more about the latest outbreaks under our News tab)
   
Some Bacteria are Chlorine-Resistant

In a 2002 study by the CDC, over 60% of tested pools and spas had inadequate levels of disinfection. If chlorine levels are inadequate in such a high number of tested pools, and some bacteria are resistant to proper levels of chlorine, who's to say that any pool is safe? Remember that all it takes is one momentary drop in chlorine level and a strain of chlorine-resistant bacteria can infect your pool or spa. Once some bacteria are introduced, it can take up to five days in a properly chlorinated pool to kill them.

       

What are Recreational Water Illnesses (RWIs)?    RWIs are illnesses that are spread by swallowing, breathing, or having contact with contaminated water from swimming pools, spas, lakes, rivers, or oceans. Recreational water illnesses can cause a wide variety of symptoms, including gastrointestinal, skin, ear, respiratory, eye, neurologic and wound infections. The most commonly reported RWI is diarrhea. Diarrheal illnesses can be caused by germs such as Crypto, short for Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Shigella, norovirus and E. coli O157:H7.


Is the Water safe in public swimming pools and waterparks?

Swimming is a fun, active, and healthy way to spend leisure time. However, in the past two
decades we have seen an increase in the number of Recreational Water Illness (RWI)
outbreaks associated with swimming pools, water parks, hot tubs, lakes, rivers, and oceans.
(Reported by the CDC).


When it comes to safety, everything else is secondary. The same should be true in the pools and waterparks that we swim in and allow our children to swim in. The Watersafe® Bacteria Test Kit is easy enough for anyone to use, and is priced within reach. Until now, methods of testing for bacteria in a pool or waterpark was not feasible for parents. With the Watersafe® Bacteria Test Kit, water quality/safety should never be left to chance.

 

Protect Your family from Recreational Water Illnesses:

Look… at the pool and surroundings. What should you notice?


• Clean and clear pool water; you should be able to clearly see any painted stripes and the bottom of
  the pool.
• Smooth pool sides; tiles should not be sticky or slippery.
• No odor; a well-chlorinated pool has little odor. A strong chemical smell indicates a maintenance
  problem.
• Pool equipment working; pool pumps and filtration systems make noise and you should hear them
  running.
• Refrain from swimming when you have diarrhea.
• Avoid swallowing pool water or even getting it in your mouth.
• Shower before swimming and wash your hands after using the
  toilet or changing diapers.
• Take children on bathroom breaks or check diapers often.
• Change diapers in a bathroom and not at poolside and thoroughly
  clean the diaper changing area.