Video: Why swimming in city ponds, lakes and rivers is dangerous
2024 Author: Seth Attwood | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 15:55
The most daring citizens can open the bathing season in Russia in early May (and sometimes in mid-April!). Fans of water sports are not afraid to swim both in local rivers and in city ponds with a sign “Swimming is prohibited”. But is it safe, what is the threat?
Swimming in ponds and rivers is prohibited in almost all major cities in the world. There are a number of reasons for this that should be considered separately:
Inside the city, you cannot find a pond or any artificial reservoir that is safe for swimming. Unlike rivers, the water in such places is stagnant, which means it is not renewed at all, so this is a real breeding ground for microorganisms and viruses. Getting out of this water with an intestinal infection or skin disease is as easy as shelling pears, and if you are diving, be sure you will return home with conjunctivitis! Another problem in ponds is waterfowl. In almost every city, there are ducks in small ponds, which are carriers of cercariae - floating larvae of parasitic worms. They cannot penetrate human skin, but they cause severe itching, dermatitis and a temperature of about 38 ° C. However, it is still possible to pick up parasites in the water. The most common diseases are cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis.
Do not think that various infections will not lie in wait for you in lakes or rivers outside the city. At high temperatures, a huge number of microorganisms always develop in fresh water, especially if people, birds and animals are constantly swimming there. The situation is aggravated by flowering, so if you decide to swim in a local reservoir, come from the side where there is no mud and nothing grows.
Another danger lies in the sand. Pathogenic fungi, worms and various bacteria live there. If you have damage to the skin (scratches, pimples, blisters), in no case build sand castles and do not bury your body.
Very often, the bottom of city rivers and lakes is littered with debris. And it's not about plastic bottles and chip wrappers. Old fittings, broken glass and other "driftwood" can cause serious injury. It is especially dangerous to dive into city rivers from bridges. It is worth recalling that many infections may not be transmitted through the skin, but if you place a scratch, bacteria will quickly attack you.
Inside cities, many bodies of water can be located next to factories. Alas, even if the factory was closed, the toxic waste from its production can still poison the water. In this case, you run the risk of facing a serious allergic reaction and even a severe case of poisoning.
Of course, many people are accustomed to swimming in rivers and lakes since childhood, so there are few of them, which can stop them from the pleasure of cooling off in a local water body. If you are one of these people, we advise you to follow these guidelines:
- Never go into the water where there is a sign "Swimming is prohibited";
- Always rinse with clean water after bathing. If this is not possible, take wet wipes with you;
- It is better to take off the swimsuit immediately after the swim, and at home it must be washed well;
- Do not swim in the city, near factories, dumps, in overgrown lakes or those that are in bloom;
- Do not go into the water if there are birds or traces of wild animals are visible;
- Do not drink water or open your eyes when diving;
- If you experience diarrhea, nausea, itching or fever, see your doctor.
If you are still going to visit the city beach, we advise you to carefully study the safety recommendations from Rospotrebnadzor
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