According to the latest results of water analysis at the swimming area near the dam in Vlasotinac, it is in the fourth category and is not recommended for bathing and recreation due to the epidemiological risk, it is stated on the website of the Municipality of Vlasotince.
On July 16, at the request of the Municipality, the Institute for Public Health (ZZJZ) Leskovac carried out water sampling of the Vlasina River, in the part of the swimming pool above the dam. According to the submitted results of microbiological tests, the water contains an increased number of coliforms bacteria.
It was explained that the long-term drought caused a lack of water in the river, the swimming pool could not be completely filled, and the water did not overflow and partially flowed out of it.
ZZJZ recommended measures, including disinfection and cleaning of the area around the swimming pool, increased control polluter, providing better water flow and resampling.
It is also advised to inform the population through the media that the swimming pool is not recommended for swimming and recreation due to the present epidemiological risk. It is also suggested to put up a sign prohibiting swimming, with reasons.
Safe swimming and staying near the water
Guided by the situation on the Vlasina River, ZZJZ Leskovac offered a whole range of information and advice on how to swim safely.
They say that with the growing popularity of recreational activities that are related to staying or contact with water around the world, the risk to the health of swimmers or recreational users who use public pools is also increasing.
Some user groups are more susceptible to risk than others.
For example, these are children who stay longer in shallow pools of small capacity, swallow water more often, water gets into their eyes, ears or nose more often.
The risk group is also people with reduced immunity, with damage to the skin or mucous membrane, people who are recovering, people with disabilities or less mobile.
Emphasis on microbiological risks
They divided the risks into physical - danger of injury, drowning and sunburn, chemical and microbiological.
They emphasize microbiological risks, because they can cause numerous symptoms and diseases.
These include intestinal infections (stomach virus), with the appearance of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, with the possible appearance of complications in the form of serous meningitis - caused by swallowing water infected with bacteria or viruses.
Skin and mucous membrane infections (especially the eyes), respiratory infections that can occur by inhaling water aerosol, ear infections that occur due to retention of impure water in the external auditory canal, and genitourinary infections can also occur.
Adverse factors and safe bathing
The ZZJZ says that the risk of infection is greater the smaller the water volume of the bathing facility, the less flowing, due to easier saturation with impurities and microorganisms from the surrounding environment or from the bathers themselves.
There are several other unfavorable factors that increase the risk of infections.
Among them are prolonged stay in water - especially sitting in shallow water with many bathers, diving, especially with open eyes, swallowing water, bathing children under the age of three, as well as especially sensitive people, a large number of bathers, unhygienic behavior of bathers and high water temperature.
ZZJZ advises that regularly prescribed hygienic and technical maintenance of facilities and continuous control of the healthiness of bathing water are important for safe swimming in pools and swimming pools.
The water should be controlled during the bathing season as well, not only at the beginning.
The Institute warns that the hygienic correctness of pool water is greatly influenced by the bathers themselves, so it is important to observe certain preventive sanitary and hygienic measures.
Tips for swimmers
They state that it is mandatory to shower the whole body with soap and water before going to the pool and to rinse the face with clean water. After returning from the pool, also with careful wiping of the whole body, especially the groin, armpits and toes.
They also point to the use of clean and dry towels, avoiding sitting in a wet bathing suit, because moisture and heat encourage the development and reproduction of bacteria, viruses and fungi.
They also appeal for mandatory passage through the dezo barrier to disinfect feet and slippers when entering the pool area and when leaving the toilet.
It is recommended to avoid running around the pool, sitting on wet surfaces immediately around the pool (at the edge of the pool), avoiding jumping into the pool. You should wear slippers around the pool.
An important item before bathing is the preparation for entering, which must be gradual, due to the difference in body temperature, which is higher than the water temperature in pools or rivers, so that the body does not experience a shock that can be fatal.
It is not recommended to consume alcohol, as well as perform physiological needs in the pool.
You should avoid diving, especially with your eyes open, it is best to use a mask or goggles, and do not enter the water with contact lenses.
Parents should not let children go swimming unsupervised, and children under the age of three should not be allowed to swim in public pools.
In order to prevent infection, the advice to avoid using the swimming pool in case of skin and mucous membrane, eye and ear, urinary tract, venereal diseases, intestinal infections, as well as in the period of recovery from the mentioned diseases can be particularly useful.
Source: Vlasotince.rs / ZZJZ Leskovac
