Healthy swimming behaviors will help protect you and your children and help stop germs from getting into the pool in the first place. Protect yourself from recreational water illnesses by remembering to swim your “LAAPS”

Look…at the pool and surroundings. Make sure the water is clean and clear in the pool. You should be able to clearly see any painted stripes and the bottom of the pool. All bathing suits and toes should be visible looking down into the water. The pools sides should be smooth; no sticky or slippery tiles. No odor, a well-chlorinated pool has little odor. A strong chemical odor indicates that something is not working properly.

Ask… questions of the pool staff. Pool management or owners should have specialized training in maintaining a pool properly. Pool chlorine and ph levels should be checked at least twice daily. Ask if that is being done. Ask to see the health department’s most recent pool inspection report.

Act …. be proactive. Let pool operators know if you see something that might cause a recreational water illness. Urge your pool operators to keep pool clean and safe.

Practice….healthy swimming behaviors. Please do not swim when you have diarrhea. You can spread germs in the water and make other people sick. Avoid swallowing pool water or getting it into your mouth. Take children on bathroom breaks. Change diapers in a bathroom or diaper changing area…not poolside. Use disposal diapers that are made for swimming.

Safety…..is always important. Keep an eye on children at all times. Air filled devices such as “water rings” do not take the place of adult supervision. Protect against sunburn by using sunscreen often.

Healthy swimming depends on you! For more information contact Sampson County Environmental Health Office 910-592-4675.