Keeping the Fun in the Sun: A Parent's Guide to Common Swimming Illnesses in Children

Sam Ahn
Aug 4
3 min read

By Dr. Sam Ahn, MD (Family Medicine Specialist) | August 4, 2025

There’s nothing like watching your child splash and laugh in the water on a hot summer day. But as a parent, a little worry can creep in: what about the germs in the pool? It’s a valid concern, but with a little knowledge, you can feel confident and prepared. Let’s talk about the most common swimming illnesses in children and the simple steps you can take to keep your family healthy all season long.

Quick Answer: The best prevention is to encourage your child not to swallow water, dry their ears thoroughly after swimming, and take hourly potty breaks. Critically, if your child has had diarrhea, they must stay out of the water for a full two weeks after symptoms have completely stopped to prevent spreading germs.

Understanding the Most Common Swimming Illnesses in Children

When we talk about getting sick from the water, we’re usually referring to "Recreational Water Illnesses," or RWIs. These are caused by germs in pools, splash pads, and lakes. It's important to know that while chlorine is effective, it doesn't kill all germs instantly. A particularly tough germ called Cryptosporidium (or "Crypto" for short) can survive for days even in a well-maintained pool and is a top cause of tummy troubles.

Besides diarrhea, other common issues include swimmer’s ear (an outer ear infection), skin rashes (especially from hot tubs), and pink eye (conjunctivitis).

What to Look For at Home

The signs of a swimming-related illness usually pop up within a few days of being in the water. Keep an eye out for a few key things:

Tummy Troubles: Loose, watery stool is the number one sign. Sometimes it can be joined by a stomachache or a low-grade fever.
Ear Pain: Your child might complain that their ear hurts, or you may see them tugging or pulling at it.
Itchy Skin: Look for little red, pimple-like bumps, often in areas covered by their swimsuit.
Eye Irritation: Red, itchy, and watery eyes could be a sign of swimming-related pink eye.

If you notice any of these signs, it's helpful to write them down. Using a feature like the Symptom Notepad in the FeverCoach app lets you record details—like when the symptom started and what it looks like—so you have a clear record.

What to Do: A Simple Action Plan

Shower and Take Breaks. A quick rinse before swimming washes off sweat, and a good soap-and-water shower after washes away germs. Make it a family rule to take hourly breaks to use the bathroom and have a drink of water (not pool water!).
Keep Water Out (of Mouths and Ears). Remind your child not to swallow pool water. After swimming, help them tilt their head to each side to drain any trapped water from their ears. Gently dry the outside of the ears with a towel, but avoid using cotton swabs, which can push germs further in.
Follow the Golden Rule: Stay Home When Sick. This is the most important step to protect others. If your child has diarrhea, they must stay out of all swimming water. Because germs like Crypto can still be spread even after feeling better, the CDC recommends waiting a full two weeks after the diarrhea has completely stopped. If you're ever unsure about your child's symptoms after a swim day, you can use the AI Coach in the FeverCoach app for instant, personalized guidance.

When to Call the Doctor

Most of the time, these illnesses are mild. But you should call your pediatrician if you see any of these "red flag" symptoms:

Diarrhea with blood in it, that lasts more than a few days, or that leads to signs of dehydration (like no tears when crying or very few wet diapers).
A high or persistent fever.
Severe ear pain.
A skin rash that looks infected (has pus, is spreading quickly, or is very painful).
Eye discharge that is thick, yellow, or green.

Still have questions?

Get personalized answers in seconds from our AI Coach in the FeverCoach app.