Avoid swimming in the lake
Aug 30, 2005
SWIMMING used to be a wonderful pastime for fishermen and residents around water bodies like lakes and rivers. But today, beach leisure attracts thousands of people.
By Thomas Pere
SWIMMING used to be a wonderful pastime for fishermen and residents around water bodies like lakes and rivers. But today, beach leisure attracts thousands of people. Many people play on the white sandy shores of the lake. The water near the shores is filled with children playing while further on, older people swim.
Dr. Columbus Kyohere, In charge of Assessment Centre, Mulago Hospital says swimming is more than fun. It aids with cardiovascular fitness benefits. However, there are many risks associated with open water bodies like lakes and rivers. Open water tends to be turbid (dirty, muddy and thick) and this disabled swimmers from estimating the depth of the water and the possible obstacles in the water. One risks injury and possible drowning.
Open waters are also discharge points for industrial waste and sewage. Lake Victoria is a final destination of most urban refuse. According to the state of Environment Report 2002, the quality of surface water in Uganda has been deteriorating due to domestic and industrial discharges.
Low levels of water supply and sanitation and over burdening of municipal services create situations where sewerage is directly discharged in watercourses. This could explain why a report by Environmental Health Division, Ministry of Health says diseases associated with water and sanitation are accounting for the 70-80% of the disease burden in Uganda.
Paul Luyima, Assistant Commissioner for Health Services, Ministry of Health said “When you swim in open waters, you risk diseases, as a result of direct consumption of the water while swimming.†This is common especially with rivers that pass through poor communities who find them more convenient than constructing latrines.
But there are diseases that result from mere contact with the water. Luyima talks of skin infections like rashes, itches and eye infections. “But the commonest and worst here in Uganda is Bilharzia,†he said. It is spread when an infected person urinates or defecates in water and the egg-laced refuse hatch into larva in the water.
Kyohere says swimming is a communal way of bathing which expose all swimmers to the dirt, sickness, diseases and infections of others. “Some people actually urinate in the water. Others are in their menstruation. Besides, animals like cows and goats drink from and defecate there,†he says.
Procedures of you are going swimming
Bathe before swimming
The amount of chlorine in the water should be right.
Always note whether or not a lifeguard is present and if possible, find out if there is a first-aid kit close to the pool.
Do not leave young children unattended at any time.
Use a feet-first entry into shallow water or when you are not sure of the depth. Some ponds and lakes hide jagged rocks, broken bottles or trash.
Avoid swimming while sick, especially diarrhoea or in menstruation.
Don’t urinate in the pool and discourage children from doing so.
Keep your toenails and fingernails trimmed.
Don’t chew gum or eat while you’re swimming.
Don’t swallow the water. In fact, avoid getting water in your mouth.
Avoid swimming right after a big meal.
If you are just learning to swim and need a flotation device, use a life jacket.
In lakes and oceans, never swim out too far.
Never swim while intoxicated. Alcohol impairs judgement, unnecessary risks are taken and a swimmer will tire more easily, increasing the chance of an accident.
Follow the rules. Hotels and resorts often have rules posted.
Pool water should be clear and free of leaves, dead insects and human waste.
SWIMMING used to be a wonderful pastime for fishermen and residents around water bodies like lakes and rivers. But today, beach leisure attracts thousands of people. Many people play on the white sandy shores of the lake. The water near the shores is filled with children playing while further on, older people swim.
Dr. Columbus Kyohere, In charge of Assessment Centre, Mulago Hospital says swimming is more than fun. It aids with cardiovascular fitness benefits. However, there are many risks associated with open water bodies like lakes and rivers. Open water tends to be turbid (dirty, muddy and thick) and this disabled swimmers from estimating the depth of the water and the possible obstacles in the water. One risks injury and possible drowning.
Open waters are also discharge points for industrial waste and sewage. Lake Victoria is a final destination of most urban refuse. According to the state of Environment Report 2002, the quality of surface water in Uganda has been deteriorating due to domestic and industrial discharges.
Low levels of water supply and sanitation and over burdening of municipal services create situations where sewerage is directly discharged in watercourses. This could explain why a report by Environmental Health Division, Ministry of Health says diseases associated with water and sanitation are accounting for the 70-80% of the disease burden in Uganda.
Paul Luyima, Assistant Commissioner for Health Services, Ministry of Health said “When you swim in open waters, you risk diseases, as a result of direct consumption of the water while swimming.†This is common especially with rivers that pass through poor communities who find them more convenient than constructing latrines.
But there are diseases that result from mere contact with the water. Luyima talks of skin infections like rashes, itches and eye infections. “But the commonest and worst here in Uganda is Bilharzia,†he said. It is spread when an infected person urinates or defecates in water and the egg-laced refuse hatch into larva in the water.
Kyohere says swimming is a communal way of bathing which expose all swimmers to the dirt, sickness, diseases and infections of others. “Some people actually urinate in the water. Others are in their menstruation. Besides, animals like cows and goats drink from and defecate there,†he says.
Procedures of you are going swimming