United States Environmental Protection Agency Beaches LEARN: What Affects Human Health at the Beach Swimming at beaches with pollution in the water or in the sand can make you ill. EPA supports. local and state efforts to protect and clean up beaches. EPA also supports monitoring and notification efforts by local beach programs by providing grant money. In the event that beaches, are closed or advisories are posted, it is most often because water samples for certain bacteria indicate that harmful bacteria, viruses, protozoa, or parasites are likely present in the waters. Polluted runoff (water that drains after rainfall) and untreated sewage released into the water can ‘expose swimmers to harmful microorganisms called “pathogens.” These pathogens can be present at or near the site where polluted discharges enter the water. Pollution can also come from high concentrations of farm animals like pigs and chickens that can contaminate local waterways with runoff, which is then carried to beaches and swimming areas. In addition, pollution is created by people who leave trash or animal wastes at beaches. On this page: Beach-telated Illnesses Staying Safe at the Beach Beach-related Illnesses Children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are the most likely populations to develop illnesses or infections after coming into contact with polluted water, usually while swimming. Fortunately, while swimming-related illnesses are unpleasant, they are usually not very serious. They require little or no treatment or get better quickly upon treatment, and they have no long-term health effects. ‘The most common illness associated with swimming in water polluted by sewage is. gastroenteritis. It occurs in a variety of forms that can have one or more of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, stomachache, diarrhea, headache or fever. Other minor illnesses associated with swimming include ear, eye, nose and throat infections. In highly polluted water, swimmers may occasionally be exposed to more serious diseases. Not all illnesses from a day at the beach are from swimming. Food poisoning from improperly refrigerated picnic lunches may also have some of the same symptoms as swimming-related illnesses, including stomachache, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Staying Safe at the BeachAvoid sivimming near stormwater or aber pipes. Look for Signs Be aware of any signs indicating the beach is closed or the water is not safe because of bacteria, riptides, or other hazards. In areas that are not monitored regularly, choose swimming sites in less developed areas with good water circulation, such as beaches at the ocean. Avoid swimming at beaches where you can see discharge pipes or at urban beaches after a heavy rainfall. Avoid Swallowing Water ‘When waterborne pathogens are present, most swimmers are exposed when they swallow the water, You will be less likely to get sick if you wade or swim without putting your head under water. Keep Open Wounds Out of Water People can get some infections simply from getting polluted water on their skin or in their eyes. In rare cases, swimmers can develop illnesses or infections if an open wound is exposed to polluted water.