How Safe Is That Water Park?

This summer as things warm up, thousands will flock to nearby beaches, public pools and water park facilities.  A facility that shares a public water supply can pose potential safety problems. Before diving into the fun, you need to help protect your children by knowing what to look for at the facility you choose. 

Chlorine:

Chlorine levels tend to vary throughout the day, so you want to be sure the park monitors them closely.  Too little chlorine in the water invites unwanted bacteria, while too much can lead to skin irritation.  If the park you choose does not pot chlorine levels, ask the manager to see them.

Cryptosporidium:

This microscopic parasite, excreted in the feces of infected humans, is highly resistant to the levels of chlorine in pools.  One becomes infected after swallowing contaminated water; symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and vomiting.  The parasite has recently caused numerous outbreaks in swimming pools and water parks.  To help prevent the infection, be sure the park requires that all diapered children wear leakproof plastic swim diapers and that diapers are changed only in designated areas away from the pool.  Also, teach your child never to swallow from any body of water; offer lots of bathroom breaks; and don't use a pool if you or your child has had diarrhea within the last two weeks.

Water Safety:

Since water attractions are not always well supervised, you must be vigilant about watching your child-regardless of how many lifeguards or employees are present, what skills your child has, or how shallow the water is.

~Kim Simonovitch

How Safe is That Water Park was originally published in Child Magazine, August, 2000.