Public health officials reopened Klineline Pond to swimming and other recreational use Saturday after lab results indicated that E.coli bacteria had fallen to acceptable levels in the pond.
The swimming area was closed Thursday after routine testing showed elevated levels of E. coli. The spray park and restrooms at Salmon Creek Regional Park remained open, because they have a separate source of water.
E. coli bacteria spreads when swimmers accidentally swallow water contaminated with human and animal feces.
“We strongly urge parents not to not take diapered children or those who haven’t been potty trained into the water,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County Health Officer, said in a press release. “We also advise people who catch fish at Klineline Pond to always cook the fish completely, whether or not a health advisory has been issued. Any body of water can become contaminated.”
The press release said health officials will continue to monitor Klineline Pond for bacteria every two weeks this summer.
Health officials also offered the following tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for avoiding catching or spreading E. coli or other illness that can spread in swimming areas:
? Don’t swim if you have diarrhea. You can spread germs in the water and make other people sick.
? Don’t swallow the water. Avoid getting water in your mouth.
? Practice good hygiene. Shower with soap before swimming and wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers. Germs on your body end up in the water.
Parents of young kids should observe these steps:
? Take your kids on bathroom breaks often. If you hear “I have to go,” it may be too late.
? Change diapers in a bathroom or a diaper-changing area, not near the water. Germs can spread easily in the water.
? Wash your child thoroughly (especially the rear end) with soap and water before swimming. Invisible amounts of fecal matter can end up in the water.
