Gearing up for a family day this summer? There is little more fun to be had then spending the day splashing around the waterpark. We see a lot of people express concerns about the sanitary nature of a community pool environment and we wanted to explore the real risks associated so you can have a worry free outing.
We spoke with Dr. Bray to learn more about the potential risks of waterparks. Luckily, Dr. Bray put our sanitation fears at ease. He explained the risk of infection or contamination in the water is unlikely given the chlorine treatment used by most waterparks. He expressed greater concern for people swimming in a natural lake or pond as the risk of infection is much higher.
The more serious issues he sees from a day at the waterpark come from sunburns and dehydration. Sunscreen should be applied at least 30 minutes before exposing your skin to the sun and reapplied every two hours throughout the day. It is important to wear a waterproof sunscreen and reapply after drying off completely so the sunscreen can adhere properly. If you want to learn more about sunscreen, look at our recent blog post.
Spending the day in the water and sun can often lead to dehydration. People are wrapped up in fun activities and forget to consume enough water to offset the effects of the heat. While not everyone’s hydration needs are the same, the guidelines are 3.7 liters of fluid a day for men and 2.7 liters a day for women. This isn’t to say all liquid consumed needs to be all water. Any fluids you consume can count towards the total. The best rule of thumb for proper hydration is to listen to your thirst and evaluate your urine color.
The final thing to be aware of is water safety. Have you seen this video? It highlights just how difficult it can be to spot someone who is drowning. While waterparks employ lifeguards to keep watch, you should stay vigilant of your kids locations and status at all times. Make sure your kids know the proper water safety protocols and how to locate an adult if they need assistance.
Be safe and enjoy your summer!
