Approximately 5 million aboveground swimming pools have been recalled due to a drowning risk posed by compression straps that children can use as footholds to climb into the pools unattended, leading to nine child deaths between 2007 and 2022. The recall involves pools manufactured by Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup, sold at major retailers and online, with updated safety standards being implemented to prevent future incidents. Consumers are advised to contact manufacturers for free repair kits.
Over 5.2 million aboveground pools sold in the US and Canada are being recalled due to a drowning risk posed by compression straps that can create footholds for children, with nine deaths reported in the US. Consumers are advised to contact manufacturers for free repair kits or drain pools until repaired.
Approximately 5 million swimming pools, linked to nine child deaths since 2007, have been recalled due to safety hazards caused by compression straps that children can use to climb into the pools unattended. Manufacturers are offering free repair kits to remove these straps, and the pools were sold across major retailers and online, with some also recalled in Canada.
The summer season brings two types of explosive diarrhea: Cryptosporidium, a parasite that can survive in chlorinated swimming pools, and Cyclospora, a different microscopic parasite that spreads through contaminated food or water. Cryptosporidium can survive in pools and is not easily killed by hand sanitizer, so it's important to avoid swimming if you have recently had diarrhea. Cyclospora takes a few weeks to mature before it becomes infectious, and past outbreaks have been linked to various foods. To prevent the spread of these diarrheal diseases, the CDC advises not to poop in pools, avoid swallowing pool water, check children's swim diapers regularly, wash produce, and refrigerate cut fruits and vegetables promptly.
The government of Catalonia has reminded town and city halls that women must be allowed to go topless in public swimming pools, as enshrined under a 2020 Catalan equality law. Some municipal swimming pools have prevented the practice since the legislation was introduced, drawing dozens of complaints each summer. Local authorities have now been told to bar any form of discrimination. The letter also stipulated that breastfeeding should be allowed, as well as the use of full body bathing suits, which would include the Muslim "burkini".
Wealthy residents in cities around the world, including Cape Town, use 12 times more water than those with lower incomes, with most of the water going towards nonessential needs such as swimming pools and irrigation, according to a new study published in the journal Nature Sustainability. The study found that socioeconomic disparity is just as influential as climate change and population growth in explaining why water supplies in many cities are shrinking. The researchers hope the study will prompt policymakers to rethink urban policy and implement targeted solutions and trade-offs to address water shortages.
