Can I get sick from somebody throwing up in a pool?

Question

I was at a swim practice tonight and some little kid threw up in the pool. It was quite far from where I was swimming, and I got out right away. The kid was in the showers and there was puke all over him....

Do you think I'll get sick?

Answer 1

No danger of that happening. The chlorine and chemicals in the pool are there just for that reason. It might have been nasty to witness and of course you would want to get out of the water, as you did.

But as to germs, etc.  you are safe.  Have a great day.

Answer 2

Think not.

Answer 3

Nah, unless you feel like you're gonna.

Answer 4

You should not have to worry about getting sick unless you were close to the kid.  The chlorine would kill all bacteria.

BTW-Erica chlorine have actually been proven to be more effective at higher temperatures not lower ones!

Answer 5

Yes, it is possible to get sick from someone throwing up in a pool you are swimming in. The chlorine and ph level should kill the bacteria in the vomit but there are factors that need to be considered - the amount of vomit, what was in the vomit, the level of chlorine.

You probably will not get sick but there is a chance. I managed a public pool and our local department of health regulations dictated that a pool be closed for a least half an hour after all visible particles were removed. This is a safety precaution to be safe rather than sorry.

Answer 6

No, im a lifeguard and kids throw up all the time in the pool.

The chlorine in the pool is at an exact tempurature to start killing bacteria the minute it hits the pool, so as long as the kid didn't breathe on you, you should be fine.

P.S. thats why hot-tubs are so gross.

It takes 10 minutes for the chlorine to start working because its not at optimal tempurature.