Water Dangers
Summer is a fun, yet dangerous time of year. From pools, to lakes, to ocean beaches, there are hidden dangers lurking in our water. Water safety goes beyond lifeguards, proper swimming techniques, and flotation
devices. It also encompasses what is actually IN the water.
Changing temperatures and unseasonably hot days can change the biodiversity of the water we swim in. Last week, headlines were made concerning the lake water where the Ironman contest was held, in Florida, being full of toxic chemicals that made the athletes sick. There are also outbreaks of blue-green algae in many of the country’s lakes. Being aware of the unseen dangers that are lurking around you can help you avoid potential harm.
Lake beaches aren’t the only ones affected. Ocean beaches are constant dumping grounds for a plethora of toxins and chemicals. Companies discharge their waste into sewers that empty into major water bodies, while runoff from urban areas is piped directly into the ocean, and medical waste has been seen on many public beaches. These all lead to beach closures or worse, unknown hazards lurking for your body to absorb.
Want to avoid these dangers, why not opt for a cleaner option, like the local swimming pool. Be careful, there are dangers there as well. Many people assume that if they can smell the chlorine it is good enough to swim in. Don’t be fooled! Too much chlorine is a sign that something is wrong! It should be present, but not overwhelming. If the pool is overcrowded, then bacteria, skin oils, and sunscreen can all damage the delicate balance of the pool’s pH.
So, what is there to do? Every body of water you want to enjoy is contaminated! However, knowing where to do your research beforehand can help you avoid these dangers. For blue-green algae tainted waters, visit the Department of Environmental Conservation website. Beaches are monitored by the Natural Resources Defense Council and they have an annual report of the country’s beaches. Local swimming pools are a little more in depth. You may want to talk to the owner/operator of the pool or your local parks department to get the results of the latest inspections, and ask to see a list of their maintenance logs.
Wherever you go there are hidden dangers. If you choose to swim in an area that you don’t monitor yourself, you can take the precautions above and make an informed choice. But what if you already swam in these waters and you are afraid of an infection? No worries, check with your doctor if you have any immediate concerns. Otherwise try taking a daily dose of zeolite supplements. The zeolite will help any free-radicals and toxins from doing any further damage. For viral infections, Zeolite-AV is recommended due to the concentrated, powerful anti-viral properties in the zeolite-humic acid formulation. Whatever your choice try zeolite to help your body fight off any harmful toxins, taking it before and after you swim will help your body stay healthy.
