Health risks to watch out for this summer in pools, rivers and lakes

There is nothing better than hopping in a cooling river, lake or pool during the summer heat. Swimming is
definitely the most popular summer activity with youngsters and adults alike, but can be dangerous if you are not
careful enough about the health risks.

Unfortunately, drowning is still the 2nd leading cause of accidental death among children aged between 1 and 16.
This is mostly the result of insufficient swimming knowledge. It is very important that everybody be fully aware of
their limits when it comes to swimming – for how long they are able to swim, how deep should they go, how well
they deal with waves, tides and currents in lakes and rivers.

Parents should always keep an eye on their younger children, and it is even best to always pair up and swim with
a buddy to avoid unnecessary danger. Moreover, knowing how to recognize if someone’s in trouble in the water is
also important. Keep an eye on your surroundings; it may save a life one day.

Swimmer's itch is an easily recognisable itchy rash, which will occur soon after you go swimming. This itch is a
typical allergic reaction to the microscopic parasites that attack the swimmers’ skin. These parasites naturally live
in rivers and lakes, and in the fur of certain animals that live near the water. You can highly reduce the risk of
getting swimmer’s itch just by rinsing off thoroughly after you went for a dip.

Although very uncomfortable feeling, the swimmer's itch is usually a rather short-term inconvenience, as the
parasites will die very soon on human skin. The rash typically clears up within two to five days. In the meantime,
apply cool on affected areas, or use corticosteroid creams or anti-itch lotions.

Swimmer's ear – or otitis externa – is an inflammation or infection of the ear canal. The condition is called
swimmer's ear, because it most commonly occurs in people who have been swimming frequently. The excessive
water exposure makes the skin of the ear canals soggy and more vulnerable against bacteria or fungus.
Symptoms include itchy ears, a feeling of fullness in the ears and pain.

To avoid swimmer’s ear this summer, take extra precautions to keep your ears dry at all times when possible. Use
earplugs or a cotton ball with a small portion of Vaseline on the outside to plug the ears. Dry your ears when you
get out of water, but always be gentle, do not damage the soft skin of the ear canals even further. If you are
unlucky enough to get swimmer’s ear, antibiotic ear drops and avoidance of water will be necessary parts of the
treatment.

Although we all know pools are treated with chlorine and that it is considered a dangerous chemical, recently
scientists have discovered that chlorine itself is not the primary hazard. It’s the compounds that result when
chlorine mixes with organic materials – like hair, skin, sweat, dirt, and urine. Researchers call these disinfection
by-products, or DBPs.

DBPs now are known to be thousand times more dangerous than chlorine itself, which can be a serious issue if
somebody is using chlorinated pools regularly. To avoid the most damage possible from DPBs always shower
thoroughly before they enter the pool. This will get rid of some of the organic compounds that interact with
chlorine. Then shower again after swimming to rinse off DPBs.
Don’t go into the pool, if you have diarrhoea; do not urinate in the pool and teach your kids the same; do not ever
swallow the pool water. Try to avoid indoor pools as because of the closed, humid environment with very little
ventilation DPBs can become breathable as well. A very good alternative is to swim in rivers, in a lake or other
natural body of water.

The most important general tips to be safe this summer:
Try not to get water in your mouth and don’t open your eyes underwater
Take a shower before swimming and when you’re done swimming
Rinse off thoroughly
Don't go swimming if you have bigger open wounds or cuts
When swimming in open water swim close to the shore, swim with a buddy, and make sure to know about
currents and water depth
See your doctor if you’ve got signs of infection – like red, swollen and warm skin – rashes or any unsettling
symptoms