Clearing the air. (Water Ways).(Brief Article)

In their quest to offer more entertaining experiences, many aquatics facilities have been adding water-play equipment to their pools. Owners and operators of indoor facilities, however, should be aware that researchers have established that water-spray devices at indoor pools might make people sick.

That was the discovery of Cecile Rose, MD, and colleagues after studying outbreaks of respiratory illness at an indoor waterpark in the late 1980s. The researchers labeled the illness "lifeguard lung," and published their findings in the December 1998 issue of American Journal of Public Health. The study states that the illnesses resulted from guards inhaling bacteria that had become airborne via the facility's water-spray devices.

To help aquatics directors protect their staffs, authors Susan Skaros and Alison Osinski provide detailed information on the causes and warning signs of lifeguard lung, as well as suggestions on how to prevent its occurrence. A major culprit, they assert, is improper or inadequate air ventilation. Their article begins on Page 38.

Of course, all types of indoor pools must provide healthy air for members and guests. This need has resulted in at least one operator taking matters into his own hands. More accurately, he took scissors into his own hands.

Steven Bailey, recreation director of the American Fork Fitness Center ...