Community Health FAQ's
Question
How safe is it to swim in the river / lake ?
Answer
People have always swam in rivers, lakes and of course the sea.
Within Wiltshire there are a number of areas of open water traditionally used for bathing. Some are closely monitored and supervised others are quite remote and private.
Clearly bathing in natural waters poses considerably more risk than bathing in public pools where water quality is extremely high and users are supervised at all times.
The most obvious risk is that of drowning. This can be minimised by bathing in groups and ensuring that children are supervised at all times.
In 2002 (the most recent figures from RoSPA) 217 people drowned in rivers, lakes and reservoirs in the UK. This compares with 15 who drowned in (mostly private) swimming pools.
Open water drownings are often associated with alcohol consumption, people being unable to exit the water due to steep banks and head injuries from jumping/falling into water with a rocky bed and banks. River beds may also contain sharp stones or litter that can cause cuts and abrasion of feet and legs. This risk can be minimised by suitable footwear.
Open water can also be hazardous when consumed (deliberately or accidentally). The further the river is from its source the more pollution it will be carrying.
Water can be contaminated by a variety of means:
1.Sewage treatment plants discharge effluent into rivers. While the processing will kill the vast majority of bacteria and viruses it is accepted practice that the natural action of the river and sunlight will kill off any that remain as the water travels downstream.
2.Agricultural runoff can pollute rivers with chemicals and/or animal waste. While large releases are very rare there is a natural wash of faecal material off grazing land and into rivers. This material will contain a variety of organisms including E. Coli., Cryptosporidium and Giardia Lamblia.
3.Rats are semi-aquatic and live both in river banks and in drains and sewers. Rat urine can contaminate river water and spread Leptospirosis (Weil’s disease).
4.Road drains and gullies all ultimately feed into rivers. This water can contain a wide variety of contaminates including oil, diesel and other hydrocarbons.
Like any activity, bathing in rivers or lakes carries risks. It is important to understand these risks and act accordingly. For instance cooling your feet by paddling in a shallow river on a hot day poses little risk, swimming in a deep river bend downstream of a sewage treatment plant will pose a significant risk.
Avoid swallowing river water and allowing river water to come into contact with open cuts or broken skin.
If someone exhibits symptoms similar to flu or food poisoning within a few days of swimming in open water this fact should be mentioned to their doctor.
More information on bathing water quality is available from the Environment Agency (External link) and safety information is available from Royal Society for the Prevention Of Accidents, RoSPA (External link).
For further information, please contact Environmental Health on 01380 724911 or your GP.