Swimming Hygiene

"Healthy Swimming" Behaviors

Although chlorine is an effective way to kill germs found in recreational water, it does not work right away. Despite the use of chlorine, many people have become sick with recreational water illnesses (RWIs), which are spread by swallowing, breathing in, or having contact with contaminated water from swimming pools, spas, lakes, rivers, or oceans. RWIs can be caused by germs like Cryptosporidium ("Crypto") and E. coli 0157:H7 and can cause a wide variety of symptoms, including gastrointestinal, skin, ear, respiratory, eye, neurologic, and wound infections. The most commonly reported RWI is diarrhea.

In the past two decades, there has been an increase in the number of RWI outbreaks associated with swimming. You can help prevent the spread of RWIs by learning more about "Healthy Swimming". Without your help, even the best-maintained pools can spread germs.

Three Steps for All Swimmers

Keep germs from causing recreational water illnesses (RWIs):

• Don't swim when you have diarrhea. You can spread germs in the water and make other people sick.
• Don't swallow the pool water. Avoid getting water in your mouth.
• Practice good hygiene. Shower with soap before swimming and wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers. Germs on your body end up in the water.

Three Steps for Parents of Young Kids

Keep germs out of the pool:

• Take your kids on bathroom breaks or check diapers often. Waiting to hear "I have to go" may mean that it's too late.
• Change diapers in a bathroom or a diaper-changing area and not at poolside. Germs can spread in and around the pool.
• Wash your child thoroughly (especially the rear end) with soap and water before swimming. Invisible amounts of fecal matter can end up in the pool.

For more information on "Healthy Swimming" behaviors and RWIs, please visit CDC’s Healthy Swimming Recreational Water Illness page.