Swimming Pool Risks for Kids

Children look forward to the summer months for fun at pools and water parks. However, while they are having fun in the sun, there are hidden risks. Parents should be aware of the risks at home and public pools, and water parks. Most infections and accidents are preventable with proper knowledge and precaution. Your children can have a fun and healthy summer in the pool.

Parasites

• Parasites that can cause diarrhea pose a major health risk for children using public swimming pools, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Cryptosporidiosis is a gastrointestinal illness caused by parasites found in swimming pools. Contact with contaminated fecal bacteria in pools can cause weeks of watery diarrhea.

  Parasites even spread in pools treated with chlorine. In 2007, the CDC announced stricter guidelines for public pools and water parks to follow to decrease the amount of children becoming sick. "To prevent outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis, change is needed in the way we build and operate the nation's disinfected recreational water facilities," the CDC states in a 2007 news release. They recommend that pools add extra chlorine and treat the water with ultraviolet radiation. The CDC also requires pools and water parks to post signs alerting parents to keep their children out of the water if they have recent or current diarrhea.

  Parents can take some precautions as well to protect their children, like teaching them not to swallow pool water, and showering before entering a pool. Also, report any fecal contamination to pool workers.

Drowning

• An estimated 1,000 kids die each year by drowning in home swimming pools or public pools, according to kidshealth.org. In addition, very young children can drown in less then 2 inches of water. Children need supervision at all times when around water.

  Along with supervising your child in water, it is important for you to teach him to swim. Children older than 4 should learn how to swim to avoid danger in the pool. Toddlers can also learn how to swim at age 1, with a doctor's permission. Another way to avoid drowning is using flotation devices like life vests. Make sure the flotation device fits properly according to height and weight. Children should wear the device whenever they are near water in case of an accident. Parents should also remember that an adult should supervise even children who know how to swim.

Infection

• Swimmer's ear is an infection of the ear canal, treated with prescription ear drops. This infection often occurs after children spend time in a pool. A bacterium from the water infects the thin layer of skin on the ear canal. The ear canal typically dries itself out, however excess moisture in the ear creates the infection. Symptoms of swimmer's ear include pain in the ear, itching, or swelling of the outer ear. In addition, yellow or white drainage from the ear may occur. In severe cases, the ear canal may swell shut, according to the Mayo Clinic.

  However, swimmer's ear is preventable. The easiest way to prevent this infection is for children to wear earplugs. This is especially important for children who spend lots of time in the pool. Also, dry the child's ear with a towel or cool blow dryer after swimming. Using a cotton swab to dry the ear is extremely dangerous, according to the Mayo Clinic. The cotton swab can scratch the ear canal and create an infection site. Lastly, alcohol-based ear drops help to clear water from the ear and decrease chances of an infection.