Don't Poop in the Pool

Monday, 29 June 2015 at 11:44

Oxford Public Health has released a short video explaining why you shouldn't poop in the pool.

WOODSTOCK - Now that summer is upon us and many will want to have fun in the pool to beat the heat there is something to remember before you dive in. Parents are being asked to take their kids to the washroom every 30-60 minutes to prevent kids from defecating in the pool. Manager of Health Operations at Oxford County Public Health, Peter Haywood, explains what will happen if you go number 2 in the swimming area. "Oxford County Public Health is reminding people, don't poop in the pool. When you poop in the pool the organic matter that is on your body may use up the disinfectant that is otherwise used to kill the germs in the pool. Before you enter the pool it is really important that you take a shower for one minute, and to rinse your children with soap and water before entering that particular pool area."

Under the pool regulation act it is the law that swimmers must take a shower for at least one minute before entering to remove any organic matter to avoid a recreational water illness that could leave you very sick. Haywood is reaching out to parent's to make sure this doesn't become a problem. "So if you do have young children or infants who you are taking to the pool, or taking for swimming lessons, it is really important that you do rinse your children with soap and water prior to entering the pool. Bringing sweat and fecal matter or urine in the pool uses up the disinfectant that would otherwise kill the germs."

Haywood outlines what can happen to your body if exposed to these germs. "If you're in contact with contaminated water you may suffer a gastro-intestinal illness. You may experience vomiting and or diarrhea skin, ear, eye, and wound infections so this is a type of recreational water illness. It is quite common particularly in open bodies water and take your children to the washroom every 30-60 minutes." When making inspections Haywood notices that many families skip the shower process and go directly in the pool and this is just a reminder to wash off any germs that may linger on your body.