LA County Aquatics Warns Commercial & Residential Swimming Facilities about Pool Health and Illness
5/11/2006
To: Metro Desk, Health and Features reporters
Contact: LA County Aquatics, 866-966-7665
LOS ANGELES, May 11 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Even the best maintained pools can spread illness. Since 1988, Recreational Water Illnesses (RWIs) connected with swimming pool have been on the rise. Last summer the splashpad-associated outbreak of Crypto affected almost 3,000 people in Seneca Lake, N.Y. In 1998, the waterpark outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 resulted in seven children having kidney failure, and one death.
The week proceeding Memorial Day has been designated as National Recreation Water Illness Prevention Week by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. LA County Aquatics will participate in this year's observance, which takes place May 22 - 29. The focus will be on operation and prevention tips for pool operators and pool patrons to encourage a healthy swimming experience.
Swimmers may wonder -- doesn't chlorine kills germs? It does, but it doesn't work immediately, and it takes time, says L.A.C. Aquatics. The good news is that outbreaks caused by E. coli O157:H7 appear to be rare if free chlorine levels are maintained at recommended levels throughout the pool. However, germs like "Crypto" (Cryptosporidium) are resistant to chlorine and can live in swimming pools many days. Crypto can be life-threatening and sometimes fatal in persons with compromised immune systems, persons who have received an organ transplant, patients taking certain immunosuppressive drugs or those who are receiving certain types of chemotherapy. Recreational Water Illnesses like Giardia, Shigella and E. coli O157:H7 are usually spread by accidentally swallowing water that has been contaminated with fecal matter. Even spas can spread a variety of germs (e.g., Legionella and Pseudomonas) that can cause skin and respiratory illnesses if disinfectant levels are not properly maintained. Furthermore, patrons may not associate their symptoms such as diarrhea and skin rashes, the most common RWIs, because the illness can appear days after swimming.
Having a Certified Pool Operator servicing your aquatic facility can be beneficial. However, many are not aware that all facilities serviced, public or private, located in the County of Los Angeles, are not only required to have a Certified Pool/Spa Operator or other approved certification, but are also required to be a certified Los Angeles County Pool Service Technician or Swimming Pool Apprentice Technician. Many health clubs, hotels, and residential facilities are not aware and may be in violation, according to L.A.C. Aquatics. Patrons should remember to ask questions of the pool staff. Are chlorine and pH levels checked at least twice a day? Are trained operation staff available during the weekends when the pool is most heavily used? What was the health inspector's grade for the pool after its last inspection? Also, says LAC Aquatics, patrons should remember to avoid swallowing or getting pool water in your mouth. Refrain from swimming when you have diarrhea. Take children to bathroom breaks and do not change diapers at poolside.
In recognition of National Recreation Water Illness Prevention Week, L.A.C. Aquatics is offering a free pool inspection including water balance analysis to facilities until May 31 (a $75 value). For more information call 866-966-7665 or visit: http://www.lacountyaquatics.com/poolsafety.htm
