Checking the ocean's cleanliness before diving in: essential precautions to consider
Swimming in lakes or bodies of water can be a refreshing experience, but it's essential to be aware of potential health risks. Here are some common signs of contaminated water and the associated health hazards.
Contaminated water can display various signs, such as discoloration, odour, or the presence of visible algae blooms. Cloudy, green, or brown water, or water with a strong smell, may indicate bacterial overgrowth or algae blooms. Algae can form scum layers, look like green pea soup, or appear streaky or clumpy in the water.
One of the most significant health hazards is toxic algal blooms, which can cause skin irritation, sore throat, cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Rarer but potentially fatal are brain-eating amoebae like *Naegleria fowleri*, which can enter the body through the nasal passages. Bacterial infections can also occur through open wounds or contaminated water entering the body.
To avoid potential health hazards, swimmers should always check for posted warnings before entering the water. It's also advisable to avoid swimming if the water is murky, discolored, or has a strong smell. After heavy rainfall, it's best to wait at least 24 to 48 hours before swimming. Swimmers should also avoid open wounds, and consider using protective gear like nasal plugs, especially in warm waters where the brain-eating amoeba is more common.
Other factors that can contaminate water include pipes, runoff, and wastewater treatment plants. Heavy rain can cause runoff that pollutes lakes, while wastewater treatment plants nearby can introduce pollutants. Tiny organisms like Vibrions and cercariae, which are not visible to the naked eye, can also cause unwanted reactions in swimmers.
Blue-green algae is the most common health hazard in lakes. It can make the water green or blue-green and can trigger skin rashes, diarrhea, or severe infections after swimming. Dogs are more sensitive to blue-green algae than humans. If a swimmer can't see their feet standing knee-deep in water, they should not go in the water.
To stay informed about water quality, swimmers can read local press, especially about the Baltic Sea. Information on water quality can also be found on the websites of the German Environment Agency, the Federal Institute of Hydrology, and the European Environment Agency. It's important to remember that existing wounds can heal worse due to vibriosis, and severe wound infections from vibrions occur mainly in people with a weakened immune system.
In conclusion, while swimming in lakes and bodies of water can be enjoyable, it's crucial to be aware of potential health risks. By taking precautions and staying informed, swimmers can help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
- Swimming in lakes or bodies of water can pose health risks, particularly from toxic algal blooms that may cause skin irritation, throat infections, cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Other common signs of contaminated water include discoloration, odor, or visible algae blooms, such as green pea soup, or cloudy, green, or brown water with a strong smell.
- To maintain good health and wellness, swimmers should follow fitness and exercise guidelines but also be mindful of skin care, noting that open wounds can increase susceptibility to bacterial infections when swimming in contaminated water.
