 Depending on what sort of waters you plunge into - chlorinated or natural, salty or fresh - you're bound to pass through some stuff that's not too healthy. Open, natural waters can be home to many kinds of microbes. Public pools can harbour bacteria such as Giardia lamblia and Campylobacter, and protozoa like diarrhea-causing Cryptosporidium. Harsh chemicals (e.g., chlorine) meant to keep the pool cleaner can actually irritate the skin and lungs. Though it's less likely in a well-maintained pool, bacteria, viruses, and fungus can all survive even in chlorinated waters.
Don't drink the water. In both natural areas and in outdoor pools, water can be teemed with traces of human and animal fecal matter and lots of chemicals and other yucky stuff you'd rather not be drinking. It's not like people sip pool water to quench a thirst; it just happens sometimes.
Teach your children well. Kids gulp down more water than adults as they swim, so talk to your child about the importance of keeping their lips sealed as they swim.
Swim safely in the ool. Note how there was no "p" in pool? It should stay that way, but too often urine finds its way into pool and open water.
Be easy on the ears. Water can flow into your ear and get trapped inside the ear canal. When this happens, a painful infection called swimmer's ear can result. Bacteria from unclean water could make this kind of infection more likely. Try to shake out or use swimming ear plugs to prevent water from getting into your ear.
Use your best judgment. Unsafe or unsanitary waters should be marked with warning signs. If you're unsure about the safety of a swimming area, it's best to stay out of the water.
And this sun, sand, and surf tip cannot be mentioned too often: always protect your eyes and skin from sun damage. Wear UV-shielding sunglasses and slather on sunscreen with an adequate sun protection factor (SPF), reapplying as necessary and every time you get out of the water.
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While we still seem to be waiting for summer to arrive families from all over Ontario are not letting the less than ideal weather get them down. They are still packing up the car, kids and dogs for their annual summer vacations. In this issue we are focused on summer safety and what you can do to keep safe while on holiday. So sit back and enjoy your well deserved rest.