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Shower Before Swimming

Monday, 30 June 2014 15:43

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."

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