Recreational water illnesses (RWIs) are caused by germs spread by swallowing, breathing in mists or aerosols of, or having contact with contaminated water in swimming pools, hot tubs, water parks, water play areas, interactive fountains, lakes, rivers, or oceans (CDC, 2017).

Facts about recreational water illnesses:

• Chlorine doesn’t kill all RWIs immediately.  Sometimes it can take several days for germs to be killed by chlorine.  Swallowing even just a little bit of water can cause illness.
• Infection- producing germs found in the water: cryptosporidium, pseudomonas, shigella, legionella, norovirus, E. coli, Giardia, avian schistosomes, and leptospiro.
• Children, pregnant women, and individuals with a weakened immune system are most susceptible to RWIs.
• RWIs include a variety of infections: diarrheal illness, rashes, ear infections, respiratory infections, and chemical irritations of the eyes and lungs.
• To prevent RWIs keep feces, blood and dirt out of the water.  Stay out of the water if you have diarrhea or an open wound.

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