BANGALORE: The city's swimming pools are packed now that it is summer. Swimming is one of the best ways to achieve overall fitness. But a few precautions will help you avoid what is commonly known as recreational water illnesses, commonly spread by swallowing, breathing or having contact with contaminated water from swimming pools, spas and water rides.

Swimmer's ear

This is an infection of the outer ear canal and can cause the ear to itch or become red and inflamed. Often, this makes head movement or touching of the ear very painful. Here's some advice from Das Khera, a coach at a reputed swimming camp: "Dry out your ears completely after you get out of the pool. Wearing ear plugs too can prevent water from getting in."

Skin infections

Excessive chlorine in the pool or water that is not periodically cleaned can cause skin rashes, discoloured patches and itching. According to professional swimmer Shikha Tandon, "The simplest way to avoid this problem is to generously apply sunscreen lotion before entering the pool so that extended exposure to the sun does not cause skin burns and discoloration." It is also compulsory to shower well not only after but before entering the pool as well.

Eye irritation

This is usually accompanied by burning and redness of the eyes. The only way out is by sporting a pair of swimming goggles.

Stomach infections

Diarrhoea and vomiting come under this category. If the authorities have kept the pool clean and maintained it well, there should be no reason for these ailments to emerge. But if swimmers accidentally mess up the pool, it could lead to infections. So swimming experts advise people not to swallow any of the pool's water. Keep in mind that you share the water with everyone else in the pool, so try your best to keep it clean, and you as well as the other swimmers will then be free from such problems, say the experts.

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