Tag

Swimming Safety

All articles tagged with #swimming safety

King County Public Health closes investigation into McMenamins Bothell pool outbreak
public-health16 days ago

King County Public Health closes investigation into McMenamins Bothell pool outbreak

Public Health – Seattle & King County has concluded its investigation into a cryptosporidiosis outbreak at the North Shore Lagoon Swimming Pool in Bothell. Fourteen individuals reported illness after swimming on August 29 or 30, with symptoms appearing between September 3 and 5. While four tested positive for the parasite, no hospitalizations or deaths occurred. Officials confirmed the facility met all safety standards, noting that the parasite is highly resistant to chlorine and can survive in well-maintained pools for several days.

Lake Tahoe swimmer suffers 38 stitches after river otter attack
wildlife-and-safety1 month ago

Lake Tahoe swimmer suffers 38 stitches after river otter attack

Lynnette Bellin, a Reno-based swimming instructor, sustained 38 stitches and multiple rabies vaccinations after a river otter attacked her while she was swimming near Hidden Beach on Lake Tahoe’s east shore on Sunday, August 30. The Nevada Department of Wildlife confirmed the incident but could not locate the animal to determine the cause of its aggression. Bellin, who teaches water safety, stated that her swimming skills allowed her to escape the 'relentless' animal by climbing onto rocks, though she remains fearful of returning to the water in that specific area.

North Carolina Teen Critically Ill with Naegleria Fowleri as State Issues Freshwater Safety Alerts
health1 month ago

North Carolina Teen Critically Ill with Naegleria Fowleri as State Issues Freshwater Safety Alerts

A teenager in central North Carolina is critically ill with Naegleria fowleri, a rare brain-eating amoeba found in warm freshwater. State health officials confirmed the case on August 27, 2026, urging swimmers to protect their noses while in lakes and rivers. The infection is almost always fatal, with fewer than 10 cases reported annually in the U.S.

Louisiana girl dies from rare brain-eating amoeba after lake swim
health1 month ago

Louisiana girl dies from rare brain-eating amoeba after lake swim

An 8-year-old Ruston girl, Lillian Smart, died after contracting Naegleria fowleri, a rare brain-eating amoeba, likely from a Lake Claiborne swim. The infection is extremely rare and almost always fatal; health officials advise precautions for warm freshwater (keep heads out of the water, nose clips, avoid disturbing sediments). The LDH notes PAM cases are rare in the U.S. (about 180 since 1937–2025) and urges awareness, with Louisiana reporting three cases in that period.

Are Public Pools Truly Clean? An Expert Explores Hidden Germs and Risks
health1 year ago

Are Public Pools Truly Clean? An Expert Explores Hidden Germs and Risks

Public pools can harbor germs like Cryptosporidium and Pseudomonas, but proper hygiene and precautions such as showering before and after swimming, avoiding swimming when sick, and not swallowing pool water can significantly reduce health risks. Chlorine kills many pathogens but doesn't eliminate all, and strong chlorine smells may indicate contamination. Following safety tips helps enjoy swimming while minimizing infection risks.

Teen Swimmer's Body Recovered from Lake
local-news2 years ago

Teen Swimmer's Body Recovered from Lake

The body of a 15-year-old boy was recovered after he drowned while swimming with friends at Twin Lakes YWCA in Cedar Park, Texas. Despite quick response from first responders and the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team, the teen could not be saved. The incident is under investigation, and authorities emphasize the importance of swimming safety and using life preservers.

"Apple Watch Patent: Your Personal Digital Pool Attendant"
technology2 years ago

"Apple Watch Patent: Your Personal Digital Pool Attendant"

Apple has filed a patent for future Apple Watch models to serve as personal digital pool assistants, using sensor data to detect irregular behavior in swimmers and alert nearby devices if someone is in distress, potentially preventing drowning incidents. This feature could be deployed in various types of freshwater pools and aims to address the significant issue of drowning-related deaths, although the filing does not guarantee its materialization.

Multiple Drownings Lead to Closure of Michigan Campground Lake
safety3 years ago

Multiple Drownings Lead to Closure of Michigan Campground Lake

The lake at Monroe County KOA Campground in Michigan is being permanently closed and drained after multiple drowning incidents, including the recent death of an 18-year-old. The father of a near-drowning survivor, who has been advocating for safety measures, expressed relief at the decision. The closure comes as the campground faces a civil lawsuit. The father hopes the campground will either install a pool with lifeguards or expand the campgrounds in place of the lake.