Seattle's Child: Water Play Safety




				August 2006 Health Notes Water Play Safety -- Snails, Ducks and Diapers By Nicole DeFrank, M.S., R.E.H.S., and Michaela Horn, M.S., R.S. Most children are naturally attracted to water. On a warm sunny day, every pool, lake and puddle is suddenly teeming with laughing children. While fun is the number one priority of a child in the pool, a parent’s concern is for safety. Many adults automatically associate water safety with drowning prevention — but water safety also includes preventing the spread of recreational water illnesses. The following are some precautions to consider while preparing for a day of summer fun: Water Play at Home Wading pools are an easy and fun way to cool off at home. However, the stagnant water can quickly become filled with germs. Do not allow a child to drink water from a wading pool. After children are finished playing in the pool, dump out the water and sanitize the wading pool with a bleach solution (use one teaspoon of bleach per gallon of water). Let the wading pool air dry. Wading pools are not recommended in group care settings, such as a child care, because they can spread illnesses if the pool water becomes contaminated. Fun alternatives to wading pools include running through the sprinkler, throwing water balloons (not for kids under 8 years of age due to a choking hazard), or using spray bottles filled with cool tap water. Swimming at the Public Pool Public pools are routinely inspected to maintain good water quality. Talk with the pool manager if you have concerns about the water quality, such as burning eyes or cloudy water. Parents can help maintain good water quality by making sure they and their children shower before swimming. Taking kids for frequent bathroom breaks and using swim diapers will help prevent “accidents” in the pool. Again, avoid allowing children to drink the pool water. Have a water bottle available if your child is thirsty. Visiting the Public Beach Pay attention to beach warnings. Current and past information about popular public beaches can be obtained from the Washington State Department of Ecology (see resources below). The following are examples of beach contamination problems and ways to avoid them: Fecal bacteria come from human or animal waste. Avoid water that is close to contamination sources, like septic systems. Do not feed birds at the beach. Their feces might end up in the same water you swim in. Because trash attracts wildlife and other animals, always carry your trash out or dispose of it in proper receptacles. Change diapers away from the water’s edge (in a bathroom if one is available) and properly dispose of dirty diapers in a trash container. Swimmer’s itch is caused by a parasite from waterfowl that burrows under the skin. To avoid it, rinse off with running tap water and then dry off with a clean towel immediately after swimming in a lake. Toxic algae bloom is not actually algae, but bacteria that produce a toxin that can make people and pets very sick. Avoid stagnant water; seek out moving water that circulates the old dirty water out and fresh cleaner water in. Also avoid swimming in lakes and ponds next to farms and plant nurseries. Other Reminders: Always supervise children! Learn infant and child CPR. Teach your child how to swim. Swimming and other forms of water play get kids outside and moving. Knowing how to swim gives confidence and provides an excellent form of physical activity. Contact your local Parks & Recreation Department for swim lesson schedules. Insist that your child always wears a life vest when fishing, boating or playing on a dock. Make sure the life vest is a Coast Guard approved Type III vest. Avoid too much sun exposure. Wear a T-shirt in the water. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes prior to sun exposure and reapply after water play. Use an SPF of 15 or higher. Keep children who are feeling ill out of the water until they are feeling better. Nicole DeFrank, M.S., R.E.H.S., and Michaela Horn, M.S., R.S., are environmental health specialists with the Snohomish Health District’s Partners in Childcare Program. Resources Snohomish Health District, Partners in Child Care – www.snohd.org; 425-339-5230 Public Health Seattle & King County, Child Care Health Program – www.metrokc.gov/health/childcare; 206-296-2770 Washington Department of Ecology BEACH Program – www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/beach/; 360-407-6543 Seattle Parks & Recreation – www.ci.seattle.wa.us/parks/; 206-684-4075
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