Swimming pools are an intrinsic part of our Northern Beaches lifestyle. Backyard pool, beach or aquatic centres, we have plenty of ways to cool off and chill out.

But NSW Health and Council are warning residents to be extra vigilant this summer to avoid breakouts of a nasty parasite that could spoil your holiday fun.

Cryptosporidium is a microscopic parasite that can live undetected in water, food, soil or on surfaces contaminated with infected poo. Swimming in and swallowing water contaminated with cryptosporidium can cause acute and severe watery diarrhoea, stomach cramping, nausea and vomiting particularly in young children. 

Even the best maintained and chlorinated pools aren’t safe, as a person recovering from diarrhoea can unwittingly contaminate a pool. Large scale outbreaks have been caused by swimmers who had recently been infected.

To minimise the spread anyone recovering from diarrhoea should:

• avoid swimming and sharing towels for 2 weeks after symptoms disappear 
• arrange make up lessons for swimming classes 
• avoid handling food for 48 hours after symptoms stop and 
• if under 5 years of age, kept home from preschool, childcare or playgroup until 24 hours after the diarrhoea has stopped.

Poolside toilet emergencies with young children are an inevitable part of parenting. To avoid it happening to you be sure to follow these tips:

• ensure children have a warm soapy wash before swimming
• take children on regular bathroom breaks
• use waterproof tight pants over swimmers if not toilet trained and
• avoid poolside nappy changes, hit the changing rooms instead and always wash your hands afterwards.

Additional safety tips 

• Avoid swimming in rivers, creeks, dams during and for at least three days after heavy rain.
• Avoid swimming at ocean beaches during and for at least one day after heavy rain. 
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for 20 seconds after using the toilet, handling animals or their poo, changing nappies, working in the garden and before preparing food or drinks.

Pool poo may not be socially acceptable, but it’s far better to talk tactics and tips with your friends and family ahead of the summer swimming season than sharing cryptosporidium parasites.

For more information visit NSW Health.