Are you looking for swimming lessons for your child? Then you naturally want this to happen in a safe and hygienic environment. Hidden bacteria and infections in the swimming pool are a real concern, but with the right knowledge and precautions, you can protect your child against them . This article gives you insight into the most important hygiene aspects of swimming lessons, so that you can make a well-informed choice. Use ZwemlesWijzer to compare swimming lesson providers.
Why hygiene is so important during swimming lessons
Swimming water is an ideal environment for bacteria and viruses . Children, who are often not yet aware of hygiene, can unknowingly become ill in this way . Think of ear infections, skin rashes or gastrointestinal complaints . Good hygiene in the swimming pool is therefore essential to minimise these risks .
The most common infections in the swimming pool:
- Gastrointestinal infections: Caused by swallowing contaminated water . Symptoms include diarrhoea, vomiting and abdominal cramps .
- Skin infections: Think of swimmer's eczema, a fungal infection that you can easily contract in damp areas .
- Eye irritations and infections: Red, watery eyes due to germs or an incorrect chlorine balance .
- Swimmer's ear: An inflammation of the ear canal, often caused by bacteria in the water .
It is important to know that most swimming pools in the Netherlands are safe and are checked regularly . Nevertheless, it is good to be alert yourself and take measures to limit the risks .
Tips for parents: How to protect your child
As a parent, there are a number of things you can do to reduce the chance of infection during swimming lessons :
- Choose a swimming school with a good reputation: Enquire about the hygiene policy . Do they meet the requirements of the NRZ (Nationale Raad Zwemveiligheid)? Does the swimming pool have the Veilig & Schoon quality mark? This quality mark indicates that the swimming school makes extra efforts for hygiene and safety .
- Shower before and after the swimming lesson: This is a simple but effective way to wash away bacteria . Teach your child to wash well with soap, especially their hair and feet .
- Toilet visit: Have your child go to the toilet before the lesson .
- Clean swimwear: Make sure your child wears clean swimwear .
- Cover wounds: Cover any wounds with a waterproof plaster .
- Avoid swimming when sick: Do not let your child swim if they have diarrhoea, a fever, a runny ear or other infections .
- Pool slippers: Have your child wear pool slippers in the changing rooms and on the swimming pool .
- Hand washing: Teach your child to wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating .
- Waste disposal: Throw rubbish in the designated bins .
Pay attention to the water quality
The water quality in swimming pools is strictly controlled, but you can also keep an eye on things yourself :
- Chlorine smell: A strong chlorine smell may indicate a poor water balance . A good water balance is important to prevent infections. Red eyes after swimming are often caused by a reaction of chlorine with urine and sweat residues, not by the chlorine itself .
- Cloudy water: If the water looks cloudy, this may be a sign of poor filtering .
Eczema and chlorine: what can you do?
Many children suffer from eczema . Chlorine water can dry out and irritate the skin . Here are a few tips:
- Greasy ointment: Apply a greasy ointment, such as Vaseline, to the skin before swimming . This protects the skin against the chlorine .
- Rinse off: Have your child rinse off with lukewarm water after swimming, without soap .
- Pat the skin dry: Pat the skin dry instead of rubbing .
- Apply cream after swimming: Apply a greasy cream or ointment immediately after showering to hydrate the skin .
What if my child has grommets?
If your child has grommets in their ears, it is important to be extra careful . Ask your ENT doctor for advice on the use of earplugs while swimming .
Swimming pool quality mark: Safe & Clean
Swimming pools with the Safe & Clean quality mark demonstrate that they take extra measures in the field of hygiene and safety . Enquire at the swimming school whether they have this quality mark . The quality mark is managed by Stichting Zwembadkeur .
New Environment Act and hygiene
Since 1 January 2024, the new Environment Act has been in force . This law sets stricter requirements for hygiene in swimming pools . Checks are now carried out for the presence of bacteria and substances such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and trichloramine .
School swimming and hygiene
In some municipalities there is still school swimming . Ask your child's school about the hygiene protocols during school swimming .
Prevention is half the battle
By being alert and taking the right measures, you can significantly reduce the chance of infections during swimming lessons. This way your child can enjoy swimming lessons with peace of mind. Remember: good preparation and awareness are half the battle!
Do you want to know more about swimming lesson methods? Then read more about lesson methods.
Compare and find the safest swimming school
Are you ready to find the ideal swimming lesson provider for your child? Use ZwemlesWijzer to easily compare swimming lesson providers in your city based on location, price, method and reviews. This way you will find the swimming school that is not only of good quality, but also takes hygiene seriously. Start your search today and give your child a safe and educational swimming lesson experience!
