Beware of water quality
The most common health problems associated with bathing in contaminated water are gastroenteritis.
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When the weather is hot, swimming in open water is a particularly popular activity. The Public Health Department of the Lanaudière Integrated Health and Social Services Center (CISSS) would like to remind the public that they should first find out about the quality of the water before swimming in it in order to avoid health problems.
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Above all, you should inquire about the possible presence of microorganisms in the water, which could have health effects (E. coli, Salmonella, Giardiaetc.).
The most frequent health problems associated with bathing in contaminated water are gastroenteritis (diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting) and infections: of the eyes, ears, nose or throat, or of the skin (dermatitis).
The presence, in certain lakes, of parasites (e.g.: cercairessmall larvae causing swimmer’s itch) or bacteria, which multiply there, forming a green-colored mat or foam on the water (cyanobacteriaalso called blue-green algae), may pose other health risks.
For more information on this, see the website QUEBEC.ca.
For any questions regarding a health problem arising from swimming in natural water, contact Info-Santé by dialing 811.
It is preferable to select beaches whose water has a better bacteriological quality rating, i.e. those which are classified A or B. It is recommended to avoid beaches classified D (polluted water) as well as those whose quality of l water is unknown (missing from the register). Do not swim where there is foam on the surface or green-looking water, especially if there is a sign prohibiting swimming there.
For your safety, it is not recommended to swim in undeveloped and inadequately supervised sites (without a lifeguard). Young children should be supervised by an adult at all times to prevent the risk of drowning.
Regardless of the water quality rating, you should avoid swallowing water when swimming. When exiting the water, it is recommended to wipe vigorously with a towel to prevent bather’s itch and skin irritation. It is also advisable to avoid swimming at the beach after heavy rains, or near sources of pollution (wastewater discharges or pastures).
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