Can Swimming Be Harmful to Your Health?

Swimming is oneof the most refreshing and enjoyable ways to cool off in the summer. Interestin places such as swimming pools, jacuzzis and saunas is increasing, especiallyin big cities and holiday resorts, for both sports and entertainment purposes.[1]Whether you’re heading to the beach, a lake, or a public pool, taking a dip isoften associated with relaxation, fun, and physical activity. However, undercertain conditions, recreational water can pose health risks that many peoplearen't aware of. These areas, which are open to public use, can cause theemergence and spread of some infectious diseases, especially those that arefacilitated by contact with water.^1
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InvisibleDangers

Exposure to swimmingpool water, due to humidity and the warm temperature of the water, can resultin the spreading of infectious diseases, such as dermatophytosis, humanpapilloma virus infections and molluscum contagiosum. In addition, poorsanitation, overcapacity and inadequate disinfection of pools may cause seriousinfections, such as pseudomonal and mycobacterial infections. Apart frominfectious diseases, certain dermatoses may develop depending on the propertiesof the pool water and the duration of exposure to the pool water.¹

Gastrointestinaldisorders, severe and short-term febrile respiratory diseases, and ear and eyeinfections can be observed in those swimming in sea waters contaminated withdomestic wastewater.
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What to LookOut For

In recentyears, the increasing world population and the increasing use of water fromnatural resources as a result of developing industrialization are a factor thataccelerates water pollution. Approximately 50% of the world's population issettled on coasts and in areas close to the sea. The wastes of this large populationworldwide directly or indirectly reach the sea. In fact, untreated or treatedwastewater containing pathogens originating directly from human beings areincluded in the sea through deep sea discharges. On a global scale, more thantwo billion people who come to these coasts annually as local and foreigntourists or for holiday purposes in hotels may be exposed to these pollutedwaters. In addition to terrestrial pollutants, sea transportation and tourismalso cause marine pollution in the seas. Wastewater discharges originating fromdaily yacht operations, an important component of marine tourism, causepollution and health problems, especially in bays and near coastal areas.²Therefore, it may be necessary to be careful in waters where you are not sureabout their cleanliness.
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PreventionFirst, Fun Always

Swimming hascountless benefits for both mental and physical health—but only when done inclean, safe environments. Staying informed and cautious can prevent a funsummer activity from turning into a health issue.