Health experts make waves

Responding to increasing outbreaks of illness associated with swimming venues, leaders from local, state and federal public health institutions, the aquatics industry and non-governmental groups convened in Atlanta, Ga., in March to begin planning the first national, broad-based initiative to reduce and prevent recreational water-related illnesses.

During the two-day workshop, the nearly 100 participants called for establishing a national dialogue on the risks and solutions for ensuring healthy swimming. Recommendations for a national strategic plan, including improved training for public health officials and pool staff, will be published in a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report this summer. The national initiative to promote healthy swimming is co-sponsored by CDC, with partners from state, local and non-profit organizations and aquatics industry leaders. According to CDC's most recent surveillance data, more than 2,500 people became ill during 65 water-related disease outbreaks from 23 states; however many cases go unreported. This represented the highest number of outbreaks and cases since reporting began in 1978, highlighting recreational water illnesses as a growing public health problem. For more information on the report, or to learn about healthy swimming, visit www.cdc.gov/healthy swimming.