Protecting Against Recreational Water Illness

Recreational water illness is caused by microorganisms such as E.coli 0157.H7, Shigella, Giardia and Cryptosporidium, that get into swimming pools through fecal matter. Accidental swallowing of this water can make you sick.

This is why it is important that pools prepare and implement a written fecal accident policy and make sure that the policy is understood and enforced by all staff.

The policy should include a section specifically about the use of the pool by diaper and toddler aged children as they pose the most risk of having fecal accidents in the pool.

Lifeguards and other staff should monitor the pool area for fecal accidents and know how to respond if a fecal accident occurs.