Study links wild swimming to higher rates of stomach illness and skin problems
A large controlled study found people bathing in lakes and rivers faced greater odds of gastrointestinal illness and skin complaints, especially in water with more pollution markers.
People who swim in natural waters may face a higher chance of stomach bugs and skin rashes, according to a large controlled study of illnesses tied to bathing in lakes and rivers. The research was published as interest in wild swimming continues to grow.
The study found that swimmers in sites in Hungary were more than twice as likely to report skin problems. It also said the risk of gastrointestinal illness rose when water contained higher levels of E coli and other bacteria associated with faecal contamination.
Researchers compared illness rates among swimmers and non-swimmers to assess the health effects of bathing in open water. The findings add to evidence that water quality can affect the likelihood of infection after swimming.
The work focuses on rivers and lakes, where pollution levels can vary widely from one location to another. Public health advice on open-water swimming typically stresses checking local water conditions before entering the water.
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