Recreational Water Illness

Recreational water illnesses (RWIs) are caused by germs and chemicals found in the water we swim in. RWIs can be involve your stomach, intestines, skin, ears, respiratory system, eyes, or nervous system. The most commonly reported RWI is diarrhea. Swallowing just a mouthful of water that contains diarrhea-causing germs can make you sick. Other germs that cause RWIs can be spread by having contact with or breathing in mists of contaminated water.