Diarrhea is one of the most common illnesses linked to swimming in pools, hot tubs, lakes, rivers, or the ocean. You can get sick if you swallow water that has been contaminated.
Germs are found in the places we swim and can cause a variety of illnesses. Germs can get into the water in different ways: when they rinse off people’s bodies, when someone has diarrhea in the water, or when rain washes germs into beaches and swim areas. In Virginia, three of the most common germs that cause water‑related illnesses are Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and Vibrio.
On average, people have about 0.14 grams of poop—about the size of a few grains of sand—on their bodies at any time. If someone with diarrhea gets into the water, that tiny amount can wash off and contaminate the water. If another person swallows that water, they can get sick.
Do your part to protect yourself and others when swimming:
- Don’t swim if you are ill.
- Diarrhea & swimming don’t mix! Don’t swim or let your kids swim when sick with diarrhea.
- Don’t swallow the water you swim in! 1 mouthful of water w/germs can make you sick for 2-3 weeks.
- Shower with soap and water BEFORE and AFTER swimming.