Recreational Water Illness (RWIs) are diseases that people can get from water that they swim or play in if the water contains germs. RWIs are caught by swallowing, breathing in mists, or coming in contact with contaminated water.
|
Type of RWI (from most common to least) |
Most Common Symptoms |
Facts |
|
Cryptosporidium Crypto |
Diarrhea & Vomiting |
Lives in water for as long as 10 days Found in fecal matter Spread by swallowing contaminated water |
|
Legionella |
Diarrhea & Vomiting |
Spread by inhaling water vapor, breathing in mists that are contaminated. Bacteria Found naturally in water- when not treated it can grow and become harmful Causes a life threatening pneumonia |
|
Pseudomonas Hot Tub Rash |
Skin Irritation & rash Ear aches Cough and Congestion |
Germ that is found in the environment- soil, water, etc.. Spread just by touching the skin at an open point- like hair follicle |
|
Norovirus |
Diarrhea & Vomiting |
Found in fecal matter and vomit Spread by swallowing contaminated water |
|
Shigella |
Diarrhea & Vomiting |
Found in Fecal Matter Can live in water and on surfaces Spread by swallowing or touching a surface that is contaminated |
|
Escherichia coli E. coli 0157:H7 |
Diarrhea & Vomiting |
Bacteria that can live in water from animals or humans Spread by swallowing bacteria |
|
Pool Chemical mistakes |
Skin Irritation & rash Ear Aches Cough and Congestion Diarrhea & Vomiting |
This happens when the pool has too much of a chemical and it harms the swimmer. Most comment is Chlorine and Acid burns. |
|
Giardia |
Diarrhea & Vomiting |
Can live in water for up to 45 mins Found in fecal matter Spread by swallowing contaminated water |
*RWIs are usually diagnosed by health care professionals or sending water samples to be tested at a lab.
The best way to make sure you do not have a Recreational Water Illness outbreak at your facility is to make sure you do the following:
- Keep Chemical feed equipment and chemicals at correct levels
- Maintain a disinfectant level at least 2ppm
- Monitor Chlorine levels regularly- Chlorine is what kills RWIs
- Make sure filters are working properly and turnover rates are within regulations.
- Educate swimmers on not healthy swimming- Shower before swimming, not swimming when sick, proper swim diapers, etc..
Download RWI information HERE