Topic updated: May 2013

Water Safety

Protect Yourself from Recreational Water Illnesses by Remembering to Swim Your LAAPS!

Look at the pool and surroundings. What should you notice?

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 (1-3 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: http://www.cdc.gov/healthyswimming/pdf/test_strip_instructions.pdf

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 thoroughy 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 rotection, and be sure to re-apply it after swimming.

Read more about water safety at the CDC.

child in inflatable ring in a pool

New Jersey Resources

University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey University Libraries
About Us/Disclaimer/Privacy
Site updated:
Site contact: hnjweb@umdnj.edu

University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey Copyright © 2000 - 2013
UMDNJ University Libraries
All Rights Reserved