Swimming can be one of the activities for relaxation in the midst of busy activities. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many people were reluctant to swim for fear of pool water becoming a container for Corona virus transmission. Actually, is it safe to swim during the COVID-19 pandemic?
In addition to making the mind more relaxed, swimming regularly is also beneficial for building muscle mass, controlling blood sugar and blood pressure levels, losing weight, maintaining heart health, and improving health. mood and sleep quality.
In addition, swimming can also increase the body's immunity, so that the body is stronger against bacteria and viruses that cause disease.
Swimming Safety Facts During the COVID-19 Pandemic
People who have a private swimming pool at home may not need to worry and can regularly swim at home by themselves. However, people who have to use public swimming pools may be concerned about catching COVID-19 while swimming.
according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are no reports and studies that prove that swimming pool water can be a medium for the spread of COVID-19.
This is because disinfectants in pool water, such as chlorine and bromine, can kill various types of microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses. This may be the reason why the transmission of the Corona virus through swimming pool water is very small compared to through the air.
Swimming during the COVID-19 pandemic is indeed allowed and is considered safe. However, the risk of transmitting the Corona virus remains, especially if you swim in a swimming pool or crowded beach. When in a crowd, of course you will find it more difficult to keep your distance from other people.
Plus, you can't wear a mask when you're soaking wet. This can allow you to inhale splashes of saliva when the other person is talking, sneezing, or coughing. Well, this is where the transmission of COVID-19 disease can occur.
Tips for Safe Swimming during the COVID-19 Pandemic
In order to swim safely during the COVID-19 pandemic, visitors to public swimming pools must comply with the following health protocols:
- Avoid swimming in crowded public swimming pools.
- As much as possible apply physical distancing with other people.
- Always wear a mask when not in the pool.
- Avoid sharing personal items with others, such as swimming goggles, towels, kickboard, toiletries, or nose plugs.
- Spray disinfectant on the swimming equipment used after swimming, then take a shower and change into clean clothes.
In addition to visitors, owners and managers of public pools are also required to comply with several rules to minimize the transmission of COVID-19, both in the pool area and in the locker room. The rules include:
- Ensuring the cleanliness of the swimming pool is always maintained
- Ensure swimming pool staff wear masks and always keep their distance
- Limiting the number of pool visitors to avoid crowds
- Separate access in and out of the pool
- Spraying disinfectants throughout the pool area regularly
- Provide hand washing facilities and hand sanitizer in several places in the pool area
- Increase ventilation in the locker room and pool area, if the pool is indoors (indoor)
Those are the facts about swimming safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. In conclusion, swimming pool water that contains chlorine cannot be an intermediary for the spread of the Corona virus, but crowds in public swimming pools increase the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
So, if you want to swim in a public swimming pool, water recreation area, or beach, make sure you apply the tips above to be safe.
If you find it difficult to apply it, don't force yourself. There are still many other sports options that you can do, really, such as yoga, aerobics, pilates, leisurely walks, or cycling. However, make sure you apply health protocols when exercising, okay?
If you still have questions regarding the safety of swimming during the COVID-19 pandemic, don't hesitate to consult a doctor. You can also chat with a doctor directly through the ALODOKTER application. In this application, you can also make a consultation appointment with a doctor at a hospital.
