Elisabeth Leamy explains how to avoid getting sick from bacteria in pools.
Summertime's rising mercury brings the allure of refreshing swimming pools. But, before taking a dip, it's important to take proper precautions to avoid getting sick.
The city of Phoenix had to close all 21 of its public pools last summer because swimmers were getting sick. And, in order to avoid a similar fate this year, the city hired deck attendants for its public pools to make sure people shower and take bathroom breaks. Also, toddlers are required to wear swim diapers, which are available in vending machines.
It's all to avoid cryptosporidium, a parasite that causes cramping diarrhea, vomiting and fever that can last a couple of weeks.
The parasite can be costly, as Jenni Broomhead discovered when she threw a party at a public pool last year in Utah. She ended up spending thousands of dollars on hospital bills for children who came in contact with cryptosporidium.
"I had 18- and 19-year-olds tearing up, curled up on the floor for an entire day," she said at the time.
Already, some Frisco, Texas, pools were forced to close last week after two children defecated, which could contaminate the water.
"I'm glad they're doing the right thing and closing it down for the day and getting it cleaned up," swimmer Tiffany Weaver said.
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