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w w w. h e a l t h y s w i m m i n g . o r g Pool User Information: Protect Yourself from Recreational Water Illnesses by Remembering to Swim Your LAAPS! Healthy Swimming Look… at the pool and surroundings. What should you notice? • Clean and clear pool water; you should be able to clearly see any painted stripes and the bottom of the pool. • Smooth pool sides; tiles should not be sticky or slippery. • No odor; a well-chlorinated pool has little odor. A strong chemical smell indicates a maintenance problem. • Pool equipment working; pool pumps and filtration systems make noise and you should hear them running. Ask… questions of the pool staff. • What specialized training did the staff take to prepare for working at or operating the pool? • Are chlorine and pH levels checked at least twice per day? • Are these levels checked during times when the pool is most heavily used? • 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? Act… by being proactive and educating others. • Learn about recreational water illnesses and educate other users and your pool operator. • Urge your pool management to spread the word about RWIs to pool staff and pool users. • Let your pool operator know that the health and well being of all swimmers is a priority for you. • Check the pool water yourself for adequate chlorine (1-2 parts per million) and pH (7.2-7.8) levels. Pool and spa chlorine test strips are available at local home improvement stores, discount retailers and pool supply stores. If you want to practice using them at home, visit: Practice…. healthy swimming behaviors • Refrain from swimming when you have diarrhea. • Avoid swallowing pool water or even getting it in your mouth. • Shower before swimming and wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers. • Take children on bathroom breaks or check diapers often. • Change diapers in a bathroom and not at poolside and thoroughly clean the diaper changing area. Safety… is always important. • Keep an eye on children at all times, kids can drown in seconds and in silence. • Don’t use air-filled swimming aids (such as “water wings”) with children in place of life jackets or life preservers. • Protect against sunburn by using a sunscreen with at least SPF 15 and both UVA and UVB protection, and be sure to re-apply it after swimming. Fact Sheet for swimmers and parents