Illnesses from swimming and/or contact with recreational waters such as, swimming pools, hot tubs, spray parks, lakes, and rivers are caused by swallowing, breathing or having contact with polluted water. Illnesses and conditions can be caused by germs and chemicals found in dirty waters. The illnesses can include a wide variety of infections, including stomach, skin, ear, respiratory, eye, neurologic and wound infections. The most commonly reported recreational water illness is diarrhea.
Additional information regarding illnesses associated with recreational water can be found through the Center for Disease control Recreational Water Illness page.