FAMILY MEDICINE® COLUMN
By John C. Wolf, D.O.
Associate Professor of Family Medicine®
Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine

USING "GOOD SENSE" THE KEY TO SWIMMING SAFETY

Question: I like to swim in the lake near my home, but my wife thinks that it is unsafe. She thinks it would be better to go to the city's pool. Is there really any greater risk in swimming in the lake?

Answer: Swimming is a mildly risky activity. To put it into perspective, however, dry land injuries - such as slipping and breaking a bone or being involved in an auto accident - are more common than water related injuries, including drowning. In general, then, the benefits of swimming, particularly in the hot summertime, greatly outweigh the risks.

We humans enjoy playing in water. It is cooling and refreshing on a hot summer day. Lakes, streams and swimming pools all provide this essential quality. Lakes and streams often have considerable variation in the temperature and depth from place to place. This can be one of the interesting differences in the experience of swimming in one of these places rather than a pool.

Obviously, it is possible to safely swim in lakes, streams and swimming pools. There are some differences between these, however. The major risks associated with swimming in the open, untreated water of lakes and streams can be thought of as a water quality issue. Besides the fish, turtles, leeches and other creatures that pose a small risk to human health, untreated water is home to many microscopic enemies of humankind.

The small amounts of water one unintentionally consumes while swimming may contain Vidrio cholerae , an undesirable bacteria responsible for causing the illness cholera. Fortunately, this is quite uncommon in most water in the United States. Unfortunately, contracting other illnesses from water is not so rare. E.coli, Cryptosporidium, Giardia and other "bugs" are frequently found in fresh water. These infections cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, and in extreme cases can be fatal.

Swimming pool water is treated to greatly diminish the risk of acquiring an infection from the water. So in this regard, a pool is better than swimming in the lake. Swimming pools also have lifeguards. I don't know if your lake does, but a having a lifeguard on duty reduces the risk of drowning.

Swimming in lakes and streams can have additional potential risks - particularly if you engage in foolish behavior. Many swimmers have sustained head, neck and spinal cord injures by diving into water of unknown depth. Of course, this can happen in a swimming pool, too, but it is more likely in an unsupervised swimming hole. It is also possible to be run over by a boat while in a lake or stream, or be pulled under by strong currents.

The risks of swimming can be greatly reduced by using good sense. Don't swim alone, and don't dive into unknown water. Be aware of the other creatures in the water with you and humans are far-and-away the most dangerous. And try to avoid getting the water in your mouth. Have an enjoyable and safe time swimming whether you choose to go to the lake or to the swimming pool.

Family Medicine® is a weekly column. To submit questions, write to John C. Wolf, D.O., Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Grosvenor Hall, Athens, Ohio 45701.