The decision to swim with a cut or abrasion depends heavily on the wound’s size, current state, and the water environment. While a small, superficial scrape may allow for swimming, deeper or actively draining wounds present a clear risk to both the injured person and the water quality. The protective barrier of the skin is compromised by any break, and exposure to water, even treated pool water, introduces potential complications. Proper wound care and adherence to public health guidelines are important considerations before entering the pool.
Assessing the Risk to the Swimmer
An open wound acts as a direct entry point for microorganisms in the water, bypassing the body’s largest natural defense, the skin. Even in a properly chlorinated pool, the water is not sterile, and chlorine may irritate the damaged tissue, potentially slowing the natural healing process. While chlorine works to destroy bacteria, this disinfection process is not instantaneous. Certain pathogens, such as the parasite Cryptosporidium, are highly resistant and can survive for days in treated water.
Allowing water to saturate the wound area can cause the skin surrounding the cut to swell and soften, which disrupts the delicate new tissue that is beginning to form. This disruption can prolong the healing period and make the wound more susceptible to infection. Superficial scrapes carry a lower risk, but any cut that is deep, has stitches, is actively bleeding, or shows signs of drainage should be kept out of the water entirely.
Protecting Others and Pool Hygiene Standards
Swimming with an open, uncovered wound poses a public health risk, as it introduces blood or other bodily fluids to contaminate the shared water. Although the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) is not aware of bloodborne pathogens like Hepatitis B or HIV being transmitted through a blood spill in a properly chlorinated pool, blood is still considered a bodily fluid that can contain germs. The presence of any bodily fluid necessitates a public health response, even though chlorine quickly neutralizes most germs found in blood when diluted.
Pool operators often prohibit entry to the water for anyone with an open, weeping, or actively draining wound, regardless of size. This standard is a preventative measure designed to maintain hygiene and minimize the burden on the pool’s sanitation system. Even a small amount of blood or wound exudate can react with the chlorine, using up the disinfectant needed to kill other waterborne pathogens. By covering a minor cut, a swimmer demonstrates respect for the shared nature of the pool environment.
Proper Wound Management for Swimming
For minor cuts or abrasions deemed safe enough for swimming, meticulous wound management is necessary to prevent infection and promote healing.
Before Swimming
Begin by thoroughly cleaning the wound gently with mild soap and water or a saline solution. The wound area must be completely dried before applying a dressing, as moisture can compromise the adhesive seal and facilitate bacterial growth. The wound must be completely covered with a waterproof bandage or a liquid bandage sealant designed for water exposure. Select a bandage large enough to cover the entire injured area and featuring a strong, four-sided adhesive seal to keep water out.
After Swimming
After the swim, the waterproof dressing should be removed immediately. The wound should be cleaned again with soap and water to remove any residual chlorine or moisture that may have seeped in. A clean, dry, non-waterproof dressing should then be applied to allow the wound to breathe and continue the healing process.