Staying safe at the pool

Kathryn Hawley

Soon public pools will be open and you may even have your own pool that is shared by others. As the Kindergartners in Nodaway County can attest, Josh the Baby Otter wants all kids to learn how to float and to never swim alone.

In agreement, The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention also encourages all individuals to stay near lifeguards and avoid drinking alcohol while or before swimming.

If at all possible, try to avoid swallowing pool water and do not let your children swim when they have diarrhea to avoid getting others or yourself sick. Showering children, taking them on bathroom breaks every 60 minutes and/or check diapers every 30-60 minutes is highly recommended to avoid spreading germs. Observe where you are changing diapers and utilize a diaper-changing station in a bathroom and not by the poolside. Washing your hands is best practice after changing a diaper to avoid germs getting into the shared pool water.

The goal is to have fun in the water by keeping you and others safe by preventing illness and injury.

Kathryn Hawley, RN & Health Educator, Nodaway County Health Dept.