May 21, 2012 |
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Swimming Season SafetyEvery day two children die from drowningSPRINGFIELD – As pools and beaches begin to open for the Memorial Day weekend, Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck, state public health director, is encouraging people to learn how to avoid injury and illness while swimming. The focus for his year’s Recreational Water Illness and Injury (RWII) Prevention Week (May 21-27, 2012) is drowning prevention. “Swimming is a great source of exercise, but if you are not careful, you may end up sick or hurt,” said Dr. Hasbrouck. “You can get sick from germs floating around in lakes, rivers and even swimming pools. There are also injury hazards you need to watch out for such as slipping on wet surfaces and swimming pool equipment malfunctions. Take the time during Recreational Water Illness and Injury Prevention Week to learn how to avoid illness and injury, before you jump in the water.” Every day, two children under the age of 14 years die from drowning, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Drowning is the leading cause of injury death for children 1-4 years old and is the 7th leading cause of unintentional injury death for all ages. Drowning is preventable, although each year thousands die and more are left with long-term consequences including memory problems, learning disabilities, and permanent loss of basic functioning (e.g., permanent vegetative state). To reduce the risk of drowning: Prepare by making sure that:
When in the water, keep swimmers safe by:
When NOT in the water, prevent access to the water by:
Every year, thousands of Americans get sick with recreational water illnesses (RWIs), which are caused by germs found in places where we swim. Illnesses can be caused by germs like Crypto (short for Cryptosporidium), Giardia, E. coli 0157:H7, and Shigella, and are spread by accidentally swallowing water that has been contaminated with fecal matter. If someone with diarrhea contaminates the water, swallowing the water can make you sick. Most germs are killed by chlorine, but some germs, like Crypto, are resistant to chlorine and can live in pools for days. That is why even the best maintained pools can spread illnesses. The best way to prevent RWIs is to keep germs out of the water in the first place. Follow these healthy swimming steps: For all swimmers
For Parents of Young Children
Illness can also be caused by an improper chemical balance in pools, water parks and spas and can be identified by burning eyes, nose and lungs. The following are things you can look for to prevent illness.
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Illinois Department
of Public Health 535 West Jefferson Street Springfield, Illinois 62761 Phone 217-782-4977 Fax 217-782-3987 TTY 800-547-0466 Questions or Comments |