General Water Safety Tips

LEARN TO SWIM The Dallas Park and Recreation Department has lessons for people of all ages and abilities at each of its 21 community pool locations. Go to www.dallasparks.org for more information or to enroll.

• Don’t swim alone. Keep an eye on your child at all times. Remember, kids can drown in seconds and in silence. Swim in areas supervised by a lifeguard.
• Obey posted rules. Read and obey all posted signs and follow the rules and directions given by lifeguards.
• Always be aware. Be knowledgeable of the water environment you are in and its potential hazards.
• Enter safely. Use a feet first entry when entering the water. Do not dive in shallow water.
• Take precautions. Children and inexperienced swimmers should wear a proper U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device.
• Avoid alcohol. Do not mix alcohol or any other drugs with swimming, diving or boating.
• Protect yourself. Use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and both UVA and UVB protection and be sure to re-apply after swimming. Even a few serious sunburns can increase the risk of getting skin cancer.
  

Water Hygiene Information

Protect Yourself & Your Family Against Recreational Water Illnesses

What is the first thing that pops into your head when you think about water safety? Drowning? Lightning? Slipping? All are important safety issues. But you should know that people often become sick from germs found in contaminated recreational water.

What are Recreational Water Illnesses (RWIs)?

RWIs are the various illnesses caused by germs that can contaminate water in pools, lakes and the ocean. The most common RWI is diarrhea, caused by germs like Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Shigella, and E. coli O157:H7.

How is Diarrhea Spread?

Pool water is shared by every swimmer. A person with diarrhea can easily contaminate the pool with fecal matter. Diarrhea is then spread when swimmers swallow this contaminated pool water.

Does Chlorine Protect Against RWIs?

Yes, germs causing RWIs are killed by chlorine, but it doesn’t work right away. Some germs, like “Crypto”, can live in pools for days. Without your help, even the bestmaintained pools can spread illness.

General Hygiene Guidelines for all Swimmers

• Please do not swim when you have diarrhea. You can spread germs in the water and make other people sick.
• Please do not swallow the pool water. In fact, avoid getting water in your mouth.
• Please practice good hygiene. Take a shower before swimming and wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers. Germs on your body end up in the water.

Special Guidelines for Parents of Young Kids

• Please take your kids on bathroom breaks or check diapers often. Waiting to hear “I have to go” may mean it’s too late.
• Please change diapers in a bathroom and not at poolside. Germs can spread to surfaces and objects in and around the pool and spread illness.
• Please wash your child thoroughly (especially the rear end) with soap and water before allowing them to swim to minimize fecal matter being transferred to the pool.

For more information go to www.healthyswimming.org.