This summer, stay safe at the pool!

In addition to being wary of chlorine in swimming pools, families must take basic precautions to prevent accidental drowning during this summer

Hyderabad: Hot weather conditions and the impending conclusion of exam season in Hyderabad have started to fuel the demand and urge to hit the nearest swimming pool. While you are busy renewing last year’s expired swimming pool membership and buying a fresh pair of trunks, you should also be aware of some basic precautions that one must take before jumping into the cool waters.

In addition to being wary of chlorine in swimming pools, families must take basic precautions to prevent accidental drowning during this summer. Badly maintained swimming pools are also known to cause eye ailments, swimming pool Conjuctivitis and skin ailments in the form of allergies.

---

Chlorination

Swimming pool owners in Hyderabad prefer adding a lot of chlorine to reduce infections. Excess chlorine, however, can trigger eye infections, swimming pool conjunctivitis, intense burning of eyes and even blurring of vision. Therefore, adequate eye protection against chlorine is mandatory in swimming pool. Chlorine also combines with body waste that swimmers bring into pools like sweat, urine, faeces, dirt, skin cells, deodorants etc. When chlorine combines with these chemicals, they form chloramines and can cause lot of ailments like irritation of skin, eyes and respiratory tract.

Avoid pool when sick

Doctors have also advised people not to enter the pool if they have a cough, cold, runny nose, or red eye with discharge to avoid transmitting the virus to others. Swimming pool conjunctivitis, where you develop a red eye and discharge after swimming, is common, particularly in crowded pools without proper sanitization.

Lubricate eyes

Itchy eyes and congested eyes are very common after long hours in the pool; it may be due to an allergy to the chlorine or even due to dryness. Any over-the-counter (OTC) eye lubricating drops can be safely applied, even without a doctor’s prescription, to relieve you of these itchy problems. Doctors also advise people to avoid wearing contact lens while swimming in the pool.

Safety precautions:

• Never leave a child unattended

• At least one or two volunteers/workers in pool must have learned CPR

• Designate individuals to watch children while they learn to swim

• void pool if you have cold, running nose and fever

• Swimming goggles must be watertight and also give clear vision.

• Goggles mandatory to avoid pool conjunctivitis and excess chlorination

• Ditch your contact lens while swimming

• Lubricate your eyes by using any OTC eye-drops to relieve from itchy eyes

• Allergy to chlorine is common in swimming pools.

• Be responsible and have civic sense. Avoid spitting, blowing nose and urinating

Common symptoms: Pool conjunctivitis, intense burning, redness, and transient blurring of vision, itchy and congested eyes.