Oxford County reminds residents to keep the pool clean by cleaning yourself before a dip
WOODSTOCK – Oxford County's public health department is reminding residents, especially parents with young children, to make sure they are clean before cooling off in a pool.
"The Centre for Disease Control reports that the average swimmer might have ten grams of residual fecal matter adhering to their skin," said Peter Heywood, public health's program supervisor.
"The pool is only as clean as you are," he said. "Before anyone jumps in the pool, it's very important you have a shower. That way you remove any organic or fecal matter that might be on your skin,"
Pool disinfectants like chlorine do not kill germs instantly, Oxford County said in a media release. It can take anywhere from minutes to days for chlorine to kill some pathogens.
Germs in fecal matter can make people sick with illnesses including E-coli and norovirus.
"The most commonly reported recreational water illness is diarrhea," Heywood said.
Ingesting contaminated water can also cause gastrointestinal, skin, ear, respiratory, eye and wound infections, he said.
"When you're in the pool, make sure you don't swallow any water."

Woodstonian Faces Charges in Home City
UPDATE: County Waives Development Charges Against Business Owner
PJHL Preview - Nov 13th to Nov 15th
Navy Vets Preview - Nov 15th
Microsoft Outage Continues
Norfolk OPP Presence for Friday the 13th
Funding Supports Local Businesses
Interview with the Warden - November 12th, 2026
Upcoming Holiday Fundraisers for OCAR
Recall Issued for Canadian Beer Brands
Woodstock Holds Remembrance Day Ceremony
UPDATE: Warning Issued in School Threat Investigation
Remembrance Day in Oxford County
Vehicle Vandalized Outside Norwich Business
Suspicious Death Under Investigation
Community Kitchen gets Dedication
Names Released for New PWHL Teams
New Family Doctor Now Accepting Patients
Dates Announced for Tour of Lights 2026
Deadline Approaches for Tourism Surveys
Comments
Add a comment