With temperatures expected to stay in the high 90s during the Fourth of July week, children and adults will flock to public swimming pools. County health officials remind parents and pool operators to take precautions to prevent the spread of Recreational Water Illnesses and Injuries (RWIIs).
Every year, thousands of Americans get sick with RWIIs which are caused by germs, as well as safety hazards found in places where we swim. The Environmental Management Department works to raise awareness about healthy and safe swimming behaviors in swimming pools, hot tubs, water parks, interactive water features, lakes, rivers, or oceans to reduce the number of RWIIs.
Swimming precautions include:
Don’t swim when you have diarrhea
Shower with soap before you start swimming
Take bathroom breaks every 60 minutes
Wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers
Don’t swallow the water you swim in
“Environmental Management Department inspects more than 2,200 public pools and spas in Sacramento County annually,” said John Rogers, Environmental Health Division Chief. “Whether in an apartment complex, fitness club, hotel or water park, we can all safely cool off, exercise, and have fun with a few common sense practices and proper pool maintenance.”
For more information on recreational water illness and injury prevention, visit the following websites:
View the most recent pool and spa facility inspection report at www.poolinspect.saccounty.net.
For information about swimming pool and spa inspections in Sacramento County and the FREE Workshops, contact EMD at 916-875-8440, or email, EMDinfo@Saccounty.net.
Video: Follow Pool Inspectors from the Sacramento County Environmental Management Department as they inspect a public pool for violations.
