Environmental Public Health - Swimming Safety

Swimming precautions - click on each link below for more information

• Wherever you swim
• In the pool
• In lakes
• In ponds
• With children

Wherever you swim

• Keep your mouth closed. Try not to swallow water and avoid getting water in your mouth.
• Always wash your hands with soap and water after using the restroom or changing diapers.
• Don't swim if you have diarrhea, or for two weeks after having an intestinal illness.
• Children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to be affected by swimming in polluted water.
• Daytona Beach pediatrician Dr. John White recommends treating your ears after every swim, with a solution of one part white vinegar and two parts rubbing alcohol.
• Be especially alert if you are swimming and water "goes down the wrong way" and gets into your respiratory system.
• Anytime anyone gets an unexplained fever after swimming, it should be checked out by a physician, particularly if there is chest pain. Be sure to tell the doctor you've been swimming, said Dr. Richard Duma, director of infectious disease at Halifax Medical Center. "It's crucial to let them know (the patient) had swimming exposure because it can be a cardinal clue."

Back to top

In the pool

• Ask to see pool records. All public pools should have daily records on treatment and cleaning.
• Take a shower before you swim in a pool. Body fluids, skin flakes and perfumes can overload pool filters and chemicals.
• Teach children not to swallow pool water.
• Change kiddie pools daily. Empty at night and leave to dry.
• Don't swim if the water is cloudy, or you can't see the drain.

Back to top

In lakes

• Avoid swimming underwater or stirring up muck on the bottom.
• Don't swim when the water temperature gets above 82 degrees.
• Stay away from weeds.

Back to top

In ponds

Q: Is it safe to swim in the pond by my house?

A: The lakes and ponds are not tested for water quality. Therefore, swimming in these areas may be a health hazard. There are approved bathing areas in Volusia County that undergo routine sampling. The ocean is also routinely sampled for water quality.

Back to top

With children

• Don't let children swim in regular diapers. Use "swimming diapers" or plastic pants.
• Take children on bathroom breaks often.
• Do not change diapers at poolside. Germs can spread.
• Bathe children before allowing them to swim, paying particular attention to the rear end.

Back to top

---

                                Privacy Statement | Disclaimer |   Accessibility Information               
              

Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a
public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead contact these offices by phone or in writing.

Email the Webmaster about this website