If you drink the wrong thing, it can really mess you up. Just ask any fish. That’s why it’s always a good idea to pay close attention to what you’re drinking. Unfortunately, sometimes we don’t. Swallowing pool water is a common water accident, but it’s also something that can really hurt you. If you’re not careful, it can cause health problems. Let’s take a look, shall we?
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The Potential Dangers Of Swallowing Pool Water Are Quite Serious
First, let’s discuss the physical dangers of swallowing pool water. You have the obvious risk of choking, which can lead to death. You might also get sick from the chlorine in the pool that washes through your system, or worse yet, from the bacteria that is present in most pools. Sometimes, people have a reaction to the chemicals in the water and develop chemical pneumonia. This is something that you need to avoid at all costs. It can be just as dangerous as regular pneumonia. Sometimes, those who develop chemical pneumonia can’t breathe and need help breathing. Choking can also lead to damage of the windpipe, which can impact your ability to speak and eat. Chemical burns are also common because most pools contain some kind of cleaner that promotes faster skin cell reproduction, which leads to the formation of wrinkles and discoloration. To minimize the risks of swallowing pool water, you must:
- Never drink from an uncovered pool tap
- Check the water regularly for chlorine and harmful chemicals
- Do not swim after eating
- Follow any special instructions the pool cleaner leaves
- Seek medical help if you think you’re getting sick
- Do not ingest anything that comes from a pool (including food and drinks)
- Do not leave any food or drinks behind in the pool area
- Change your swimming costume and shower after swimming
- Only eat fish that you caught yourself
Now, let’s discuss some of the more serious health risks that come with swallowing pool water. First off, you’re going to want to see your doctor right away if you accidentally swallow any pool water. You might have something called saltwater poisoning, which is the result of excessive salt intake. Saltwater poisoning is very serious and can cause damage to your kidneys and heart. It’s always a good idea to drink plenty of water on land, anyway, so it’s always a good idea to follow up with your doctor regardless. Another potential health risk comes from swallowing too much chlorine. Too much chlorine can irritate your stomach and cause nausea and vomiting that might lead to dehydration. If you are ever exposed to this chemical, you are in danger of developing chlorosis. This is a severe form of water intoxication, which results in yellowed teeth and a bad case of scurvy. If you think that you or someone you know has developed this condition, it’s important to see your doctor to find out what’s causing it and how to treat it. Another serious health risk comes from ingesting poisonous or toxic chemicals. If you think that you or someone you know has ingested any such chemicals, it’s important to seek medical help right away because these chemicals can do a lot of damage to your body. Let’s not forget about the risk of drowning, either, as I’ve already mentioned. Accidental drowning is one of the leading causes of death in children, which is why it’s always a good idea to supervise kids around pools. Most of these accidents are the result of children swallowing water while playing in or around the pool. Sadly, there’s also the risk of suicide by jumping in the pool, which is why all children should have life vests handy around the pool area.
How To Prevent Swallowing Pool Water
Now that we know the dangers of swallowing pool water, it’s time to discuss how we can prevent this from happening. First off, always make sure that your pool area is well-lit. This is especially important if you have a pool at night because there’s often not enough light to see clearly by, which could lead to an accident. If you or someone you know has had an accident in the pool area in the past, make sure to post a notice explaining what happened and warning others to be careful. You may also choose to add that a swimmer has recovered after having an accident due to poor vision.
Another easy way to prevent this is to cover the pool tap. If you leave it uncovered, chlorine and other chemicals in the water can enter your body through your skin. If you have a swimming pool at home, make sure to cover the pool tap with a mesh cover so that you can see what’s going on but the chlorine cannot enter your skin. Remember also to test the water often for chlorine and other chemicals so that you know exactly what’s going on.
What To Do If You Accidentally Swallow Pool Water
If you do happen to swallow any pool water, what do you do? First off, try to determine if you’re going to be able to vomit it back up. If you can, the best course of action is to go to the bathroom and try to bring it back up. Unfortunately, sometimes, this isn’t possible and in those instances, you might need to visit the ER. It’s important to mention that the amount of water that you ingested is going to determine how serious your case is, so be sure to keep track of how much water you took in and how you feel.
If you have a serious case of saltwater poisoning, your doctor might want to monitor your electrolytes for a while, or give you a salt-water pill or injection. If you have a mild case, you might just want to try drinking plenty of water and see if that helps. In either case, make sure to tell your doctor about what happened so that he knows what medications to give you if you’re ever exposed to this chemical again.
Takeaway
As you can see, accidental swallowing of pool water is not a laughing matter. If you or someone you know has had an accident in the past, make sure to warn others about the risks. Also, be sure to keep track of how much water you consumed so that you can report it to your doctor. Finally, make sure to see your doctor immediately after having an accident in order to determine the severity. In either case, if you’re going to be around pools or other similar water venues, always wear a protective outfit and make sure to drink plenty of water regularly.