The theme of this year’s Swimming Week: Healthy and Safe (May 23 to 29) is “Make a Healthy Splash: Stay Healthy and Safe in Splash Pads.”
Splash pads are also known as spray pads, spray parks or interactive fountains. They spray water on users. If the water isn’t properly disinfected, splashpads can spread germs to users and cause them to become sick. Parents and children of young users should take steps to prevent germ spread.
Stopping the Spread of Germs in Splashpads
Parents of young splash pad users and those who use them can take a few steps that will help to prevent germs from getting into the water.
DO:
If you have symptoms of diarrhea, it is important to stay away from the water.
Do not shower before you get in the water.
DO NOT take your children on bathroom breaks.
DON’T:
DON’T swallow the water.
DON’T defecate or urinate in the water.
DON’T sit or stand on the jets. Sitting or standing on jets can rinse feces off your butt.
Splash Pads & Germs Explained
Splash pads are safe and healthy when they are properly managed.
The water in some splash pads passes only once through the splash pad’s pipes and then drains out (typically into a sewer system). The water in other splash pads is recirculated. This means that the pipes drain the sprayed liquid into a tank that is usually underground. The water is then filtered through a filter, disinfected with bromine or chlorine, and then sprayed again.
Splash pads can be used by both children and adults to wash off germs, poop and pee. Spilled water can also be used to clean any debris (such human or animal poop or dirt) from splashpad surfaces.
It can be difficult for water in splash pads to be properly disinfected. Spraying water reduces the chlorine or bromine level. The water is also less effective against germs if poop, dirt, and pee get in it. Swim diapers do not stop germs, poop, or pee from getting in the water.
Last year, MI Environment was featured in a Story on EGLE’s work with the City of Ludington to make sure splashpad wastewater was sent to the city’s wastewater treatment plant when the splashpad is in use.
Caption: Children enjoying a Ludington splashpad.
