Q:Do you have some safety tips and suggestions for avoiding summer accidents and diseases?
A:Summer is not all about warm sun, fun and games. There are various hazards to be avoided from poison ivy and bug bites to drowning.
In natural bodies of water and outdoor pools, bacterial and viral infections may come from contamination with sewage or rainwater runoff .
In indoor pools or crowded beaches, other swimmers may be the source of such illnesses. Diarrhea is the most common symptom, but skin rashes, eye and ear infections and respiratory problems can also occur.
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In Canada, most big lakes have signs advising people not to go in the water if the conditions are considered unsafe. The water and beaches are tested regularly. The same may not be true of smaller bodies of water or more remote lakes. If the water smells bad or looks murky, or for a couple of days after heavy rainfall, beaches are best avoided.
Swimming pools and hot tubs can also be contaminated if not sufficiently chlorinated, so it is best to shower with soap after leaving the water. Wash swimsuits and towels before using them again. Do not enter water if you have open sores on your body or if you have diarrhea. Be aware chlorine can provoke asthma attacks.
Swimmer’s itch is an uncomfortable, but not life threatening problem caused by tiny parasites carried by freshwater snails and sometimes ducks. They can burrow under the skin, causing an itchy rash known as cercarial dermatitis. As the bugs aren’t happy living on humans, they soon die off and the rash goes away in a couple of days. Calamine lotion will help relieve the itch.
To avoid drowning accidents, watch young children closely when they are near water and have them wear a life vest. Dangers are reduced by teaching them to swim as early as possible. Adults should also wear vests when boating.
Even if you are an able swimmer, don’t swim alone. Always have someone nearby in case of an emergency. Do not mix alcohol consumption with swimming or boating.
Thunderstorms are a danger to both boaters and swimmers because lightning loves water. Watch out for warning signs such as a sudden drop in temperature, wind, gathering clouds and darkening skies.
If caught in open water during a thunderstorm, disconnect any electrical equipment, stay as low as possible in the middle of the boat and keep clear of metal objects.
Finally, if you do not already know how to perform CPR, take a course. You may be able to save a life.
Clare Rowson is a retired medical doctor in Belleville, Ont. Contact her by e-mail at health@producer.com.
