June 2007
Wading in This Summer
The weather is heating up and with it the thoughts of wading pool afternoons and other water fun for parents and children. Inevitably, the summer months bring news of water-related tragedies and concerns about water contamination. That’s why we talked with Mark Rowe, food protection and living environment section manager for Public Health - Seattle & King County, to learn more about the city’s water safety program and what parents can do to keep their youngsters safe.
What is your number one concern for children around public pools and beaches?
Rowe: Physical safety is the number one issue. Parents should not let kids swim in non-life-guarded facilities. Be sure to sign kids up for swim lessons. Have them wear a life jacket. Watch children closely around all water – tubs, wading pools, beaches and other open water. Check water conditions and be aware of your surroundings.
How often are wading pools cleaned?
Rowe: All of our Seattle Parks outdoor public wading pools are drained daily and chlorinated when in use. Chlorine offers a high level of protection against bacteria and contamination. Parents play an important role in keeping pools healthy too. Ideally, young children should be wearing a snug swim diaper or a tight fitting protective covering snug enough to keep any loose material from getting out. It also helps to take your child out of the pool and change diapers frequently.
Is chlorine dangerous for kids?
Rowe: We do not use high concentrations of chlorine in wading pools. The concentration is high enough to be effective to protect kids, but not at a level that would negatively impact the users. Chlorine levels are tested routinely throughout the day.
What are the facts about water contamination or “swimmer’s itch,” which is associated with beaches and lakes?
Rowe: We do get algae bloom in the lakes
in this area, most of which is non-hazardous to human health. Algae and
lake weeds such as milfoil occur naturally in some lake waters. A toxic
blue-green algae bloom is rare in our lakes, but creates other health
concerns especially for pets that drink the water. These blooms are more
intense at certain times, especially in July and August when it is hottest.
Swimmer’s itch is caused by an organism that comes from water fowl
and snails living in the water. One way you can help keep this organism
in check is to not feed any water fowl. The best way to avoid swimmer’s
itch is to towel off vigorously when leaving the water and to shower soon
after swimming. If the redness, itchiness or other symptoms do not clear
up in a few days, see your physician.
Fecal coliforms are a group of intestinal bacteria. Potential sewage spills are the highest concern because of the increased risk of transferring disease from a human source. Fecal contamination from water fowl, dogs and cats, surface run-off from poorly drained grassy areas adjacent to the beach, high concentrations from nearby creeks, and poor water circulation in the swimming area may contribute to the high bacterial counts.
Helpful tips: Tell your children to keep lake water out of their mouths and not to swallow it. Do not swim in a pool or lake if you’ve had a fever, diarrhea, vomiting or nausea. Always wash your hands after using the restroom.
Also, dogs should not be taken to public swimming beaches, as they may contaminate the water. There is a $500 fine for having dogs on public swimming beaches in Seattle.
Does the health department test the water at beaches?
Rowe: Yes, the health department tests and monitors public beaches once a week (on Tuesdays) during the summer swim season – mid-May through mid-September – to check for general contamination from fecal coliform and other bacteria. We test Luther Burbank Park (King County), Idylwood Park (Redmond), Lake Sammamish State Park, Meydenbauer Bay (Bellevue), Juanita Beach (King County), Newcastle Park (Bellevue), Andrew’s Bay Beach/Seward Park (Seattle), Madison Park (Seattle), Matthews Beach (Seattle), Medina Park (Medina), Mount Baker Park (Seattle), Yarrow Bay Park (Town of Yarrow Point), Magnuson Park, Sand Point (Seattle), West Green Lake (Seattle), Gene Coulon Park (Renton), Madrona Park (Seattle) and Pritchard Island Beach (Seattle).
Samples are analyzed at the King County Department of Natural Resources Laboratory. Microbiologists analyze the samples within hours of sample collection and can determine fecal coliform results in 24 hours.
Families should heed any beach closure signs and not get
into water where a sign
is posted.
Cheryl Murfin Bond is a Seattle freelance writer and mother of two.
LEARN MORE ABOUT SAFETY AND TESTING AT PUBLIC WADING POOLS AND BEACHES AT THE FOLLOWING WEB SITES:
King County Swimming Beach Monitoring Program:
www.dnr.metrokc.gov/wlr/waterres/swimbeach/default.aspxPublic Health Seattle King County Water Protection Program:
www.metrokc.gov/health/pools/index.htm#resources
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