Miami Beach, subtropical beach, recreational water illness

Swimmers at sub-tropical beaches show increased risk of illness, study suggests

Photo by Dan Lundberg

Krystyn Tully, Swim Guide Editor
April 7, 2013

An article from 2010 describes how to avoid waterborne water illnesses at sub-tropical beaches:

A yearlong beach study led by a team of University of Miami researchers suggests that swimmers at sub-tropical beaches face an increased risk of illness. The multi-disciplinary team examined the risk of illness that beachgoers face when exposed to recreational marine water at sub-tropical beaches with no known source of pollution or contamination.

Among the top tips from the scientists for a healthy visit to the beach this summer are:

Avoiding getting beach water in your mouth, or swallowing seawater.

Practicing good beach hygiene by not swimming when ill with flu-like symptoms, diarrhea or open wounds.

Showering before entering the ocean and immediately after leaving the water.

Washing your hands with soap before eating.

Taking small children to the restroom frequently, while on a public beach.

The full story is available on Science Daily.

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