Keep Your Head Above Pool Parasites

Don’t let diarrhea-causing germs like Cryptosporidium spoil your pool party or trip to the water park this summer. These germs can live for days even in chlorine- treated water. Here’s how to dodge these bugs:

• Before heading to the pool, bathe your children—especially their bottom—with soap and water.
• Check the pool. There should be little or no odor, and you should hear pool pumps running. Ask staff if the chlorine and pH levels are checked at least twice a day.
• Teach little ones not to swallow pool water.
• Take kids for frequent potty breaks. Show them how to wash their hands afterward.
• Change diapers in a bathroom—not by the pool—to avoid spreading germs.
• Keep family members on land if they have diarrhea.