Summer is here, and with it comes the annual onslaught of health warnings about the dangers lurking in public swimming venues. From eye-burning microbes to brain-eating bacteria, it’s enough to make you want to stay on dry land. But health organizations are determined to get their message across, and they’re doing it in some pretty creative ways.
In fact, some of the advisories are downright hilarious, graphic, disturbing, clumsy, and sometimes perplexing. So, we’ve rounded up the top five public health advisories bobbing in the waters this summer.
First up, we have the Virginia Department of Health, who tried to keep things clean and polite with their message about not pooping in public pools. But, alas, they couldn’t resist dropping a “poop” bomb at the end, spoiling the pristine pool-side scene.
Next, we have an infographic from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that catalogs the amounts of microbes in human hair, skin, poop, noses, mouths, and hands. It’s enough to make you want to swim in a vat of hand sanitizer instead.
But don’t let these warnings scare you away from the water. Just remember, don’t pee or poop in public pools, and try to avoid swallowing toxic algae from lakes. Happy swimming!
Summer is just around the corner, and for many that means spending time by the pool or at the beach. However, spending time in the water isn’t always a safe endeavor. A number of publicly-owned recreational bodies of water can be subject to a wide range of issues, from bacteria to toxins and other pollutants.
Because the health of the public and the environment is of utmost importance, many municipalities offer swimming advisories specifying when it is not safe to swim or even come into contact with the body of water. Below are the top five disturbing swim advisories that should be taken seriously this summer.
1. Bacterial Contamination: Bacteria such as E. coli and other pathogenic bacteria can be present in bodies of water due to runoff from farm and urban areas, and pose a serious health hazard if contact is made with them. Be sure to check local advisories to ensure there has been no record of a recent spill or contamination in the recreational water body.
2. Toxins from Algal Blooms: When there is an increased amount of nutrients in the water due to fertilizer and sewage runoff, this can cause an explosion of algal growth, commonly referred to as an “algal bloom.” Algal blooms can produce toxins that can make contact with swimmers dangerous.
3. Chemical Contamination: If the chemicals from industrial processes or other sources are detected in the recreational water body, then these advisories are issued to make sure the public is safe. These can usually be identified by a specific chemical name.
4. Fecal Contamination: Fecal contamination occurs when animal or human waste finds its way into the water, usually from a sewage spill. This can introduce pathogens into the water that can be dangerous for swimmers and should be avoided.
5. Debris or Waste: Debris and waste materials can also pose a nuisance to swimmers and may be considered for swimming advisories if they are detected in large quantities.
When swimming in a public recreational body of water this summer, it is important to adhere to any warnings or advisories that may be issued. Though they can be inconvenient, they exist to protect both swimmers and the environment. Be sure to check your local advisories to stay informed and remain safe!
