Summer is finally here!  Time for some fun in the sun and a splash in the swimming pool. But as the saying goes, it’s all fun and games until someone poops in the pool. While this may sound funny, pool fouling can be very serious.

Recreational water illnesses can be spread by contaminated pool water and can make you, your child, or someone else very sick.  The good news is that you can keep your splash time healthy all summer long by taking several easy steps:

 Do:

• Stay out of the water if either you or your child has diarrhea
• Use the washroom before entering the water
• Wash your hands after using the washroom or changing a swim diaper
• Shower your body with soap and water before you get in the pool
• Take bathroom breaks every 60 minutes
• Use swim diapers for children who are not consistently using the toilet
• Check swim diapers every 30-60 minutes
• Change swim diapers away from the water
• Notify pool staff immediately if a pool fouling occurs so that the proper procedures are followed to keep everyone safe

Do not:

• Pee or poop in the pool
• Swallow the pool water

I hope you don’t have a pool fouling story – but if you do, share it here!

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For parenting information or to speak with a Public Health Nurse (every Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) simply dial 311 or 905-825-6000.