Chandigarh, June 16
To beat the scorching heat, one can have a splash in a number of swimming pools. A swimmer should be wary of infections which he can contract. There are allergies, rashes, swelling, fungal infections, redness of eyes,
conjunctivitis, typhoid, diarrhoea and gastroenteritis.
“Just half an hour before swimming, apply good water-proof sunscreen whose sun protection factor (SPF) is 15. A little bit of moisturiser can also be applied to the skin as it prevents dryness that occurs because of the presence of chlorine in pool water,” advised a city-based skin specialist, Dr Mallika Sachdeva.
If you have any active eye or ear problem, it is better to avoid swimming.
“It is mandatory to have shower before and after the swimming to flush out sweat, as it keeps allergies and other water-borne diseases at bay. You should not forget to shampoo your hair after swimming as chlorine tend to make your hair bleached and brittle,” she said.
It is also advised to sip some drink such as lemonade, plain water or electrolyte, between your swim sessions and avoid eating anything two and a half hour before and after swimming.
Equally important is to wear good quality swim wear so that the water does not cause skin problems.
Long hair should be tied while getting into the pool. It is compulsory to wear a cap for those with long hair.
Pools must have basic medical facilities like first-aid kit and there should be provision of oxygen. Pool water should not be swallowed in. Never compromise on the quality of the pool and choose the good pool to swim.
“The water has to be certified safe by a government lab. We have installed a new system for this reason,” said D.S. Toor, Professor, sports-in-charge, Panjab University.
“We have own doctors, who give fitness certificate after examining the person on the basis of which we admit him,” he added.
Pools should not exceed the prescribed limit of swimmers and there should be an adequate number of lifeguards too.
Regarding the safety standards, he said they had engaged a part-time life savior and two coaches.
There is one lifeguard and one lady coach, both SAI trained, in Swimming Pool and Yoga Centre, Sector 23. “We are on our toes all the time, especially, in the morning session when untrained people swim,” said Paramjit Singh.
“To cope with the rush, we have terminated the membership of all 5,000 honorary members this year,” said Mr Mukesh Bassi, president, Chandigarh Club. There are two coaches and two lifeguards on service in Chandigarh Club pool.
