Questions and Answers for Swimmers

Recreational water is defined as swimming pools, waterparks, spas, decorative or interactive fountains, rivers, lakes, and the ocean.

This summer, swimming pools will be filled with millions of people having fun and staying cool. But did you know that germs can contaminate swimming water? In the past we weren't as concerned but today there are new germs that can contaminate water and cause illness. This summer, learning new information about recreational water illnesses (RWIs), which are spread by swimming in contaminated recreational waters such as swimming pools, water parks, lakes, and the ocean, can protect you from getting sick.

RWIs are caused by germs like "Crypto" (KRIP-toe), short for Cryptosporidium, Giardia (gee-ARE-dee-uh), E. coli 0157:H7, and Shigella (Shi-GE-luh) and are spread by accidentally swallowing water that has been contaminated with fecal matter. How does a pool get contaminated? You share the water with everyone in the pool. If someone with diarrhea contaminates the water, swallowing the water can make you sick.

The great news is that germs causing RWIs are killed by chlorine. However, chlorine doesn't work right away. It takes time to kill germs and some germs like Crypto are chlorine resistant and can live in pools for days. This is why even the best-maintained pools can spread illness. Therefore, healthy swimming behaviors are needed to protect you and your kids from RWIs and will help stop germs from getting in the pool in the first place.

1. How Swimming Can Make You Sick

• How can swimming make you sick?
  
• How does water get contaminated?
  
• What kinds of illnesses can people get from swimming?
  
• Can swimming pools spread head lice?
  
• Can people get a recreational water illness (RWI) from swimming in the ocean?
  
• Can people get a recreational water illness (RWI) from swimming in fresh water lakes and rivers?
  
• Can people get a recreational water illness (RWI) from using hot tubs and spas?
  
• Can people get a recreational water illness (RWI) from playing and wading in decorative or interactive water fountains?
  
• Doesn't chlorine kill all germs found in swimming pools, hot tubs, and spas?

2. People Affected

• What is a person's chance of getting diarrhea when swimming?
  
• Why do many recreational water illnesses (RWIs) go undetected?
  
• Is it a good idea to swim when you have diarrhea?
  
• Should some people be more concerned than others about the spread of Crypto (short for Cryptosporidium)?
  
• So people with compromised immune systems are at greater risk for developing severe or life-threatening illness?
  
• What should someone do if he or she has diarrhea?

3. Parents and Kids

• My child has diarrhea and wants to go swimming. What should I do?
  
• Do swim diapers or swim pants prevent fecal matter from entering the water?

4. Fecal Matter in the Pool

• What should I do if I see fecal matter in the pool?
  
• Should I think the water is safe if I don't see fecal matter in the pool?

5. Protection Against RWIs.

• How can I protect myself, my family, and others from getting sick?
  
• "PLEAs" for Everyone
  
• "PLEAs" for Parents with Young Kids

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This page last reviewed June 4, 2002

Division of Parasitic Diseases
National Center for Infectious Diseases
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention