Another boy dies swimming in a fresh water lake in Orlando

[safetymom]

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/feat...07sep06,0,5613379.story?coll=orl_tab01_layout

I am posting this because the question comes up often about why you aren't supposed to swim in the fresh water lakes in FL.

It's sad that this is the second one of the season.

 

[WildGrits]

How sad.

I tell my family all the time and they say I am crazy.

 

[bytheblood]

That is truly sad. My heart and prayer go out to his family.

 

[super_crunch]

my husband really wants to move us to Florida...but this whole "deadly water" thing lately is creeping me out!!

 

[PrincessHeart]

Wow, I had no idea. Thanks, for informing us. BTW I love your name "safetymom". Our son's nickname is "safetyman" - even his friend's parents will say don't worry about the kids safetyman is with them. He's a little obessive about safety. I wonder where he got that from?(me!)

 

[Chloe'sMom]

Sort of makes you think twice about renting any of the watercraft.

 

[mrsnj91]

I live in Jersey and we used to go to a local lake. Till I got hives all over my feet and hands and ringworm. Turned out the lake was contaminated and was shut down right after we were there. They had been having a problem keeping the lake undercontrol that year due the heat. I haven't been back since. The point being...it can happen anywhere. So very sad though. Something that was ment to be fun turned out to be a horror.

 

[DreaminDisney]

I've never heard of that but it sure is sad. That poor family!

 

[disneydreamer1970]

That is extremely sad. My thoughts and prayers are with the families.

Trish

 

[branv]

Near Austin there was a 12-yr old boy who died this summer from amoebic meningitis contracted while swimming at one of the area lakes. It's contracted the same way as the amoebic encephalitis that killed the boy in that story. The articles I read about the local boy said that since 1972, 34 other Texas cases of the illness have been confirmed, and all of the patients died. So it's not just Florida lakes, but considering how many people swim in lakes over the summer, it seems it is very very unlikely to contract something like this. Alot more people drown than get sick from the water (we had four drownings alone this year at the river near us). It is kind of creepy though, considering it involves warm water. I spent my summers at the lake, and I can remember every year the darn water being bathwater warm and having to swim around to find one of those cool spots.

 

[Feralpeg]

The bacteria can only exist if the water is 80 degrees or over. In the center of the lakes, the water is normally colder and the bacteria is not found. So, water skiing, watercraft, etc. should not be a problem. Swimming in shallow or stagnant water is very dangerous. They are saying that people should at least wear nose plugs. Unfortunately, once contracted, this type of encephalitis is almost always fatal.

 

[Pigsty333]

This does not take place in every lake. Only those lakes that do not have a way of their water being regenerated. The lakes they refer to here are man made ones, without an outlet. They are supposed to have posted warnings and they were all over the news when the first incident happened, but unfortunately not everyone will listen. These are links related to the story.

http://www.wftv.com/news/13891695/detail.html

http://www.wftv.com/news/14049065/detail.html

http://www.wftv.com/news/13851711/detail.html

 

[MissionMouse]

Sort of makes you think twice about renting any of the watercraft.

Yes, it can, but just beaware this issue exist anywhere with stagnate or man-made lakes, especially in warmer climates. The water has to be ingested inside your body (typically mouth or nose).

The thing to remember is the threat is highest in the shallow areas along the beaches where water life thrives in the warmer-shallow area. This is why Disney no longer allow swimming at their beaches. in deeper waters this issue rapidly declines.

 

[GSDRescuer]

This is so very sad. Hugs to the families. Every year we need to be reminded of this.
Is it more prevalent at the end of summer, after all of the very hot days?q How about in May, at the beginning of summer?

 

[Feralpeg]

This is so very sad. Hugs to the families. Every year we need to be reminded of this.
Is it more prevalent at the end of summer, after all of the very hot days?q How about in May, at the beginning of summer?

It all depends on the temperature of the water. It must be at least 80 degrees for it to survive. In the early parts of the year, that is less likely because the water isn't as warm.

 

[spiceycat]

even in May disney can easily be in the 80 if not 90's.

you don't swim in any lake in Florida - this is the first time I have heard about it in Texas.

so far I don't think Ala has that problem - lots of people here swim in lakes. So far I haven't heard any warning.

I am so tempted to send this to several people who argue with me about swimming at WDW in the lakes.

 

[Sammie]

How sad.

I tell my family all the time and they say I am crazy.

I would suggest you print this article and give each one of them a copy.

 

[safetymom]

I posted this because some people just don't get the danger. There are plenty of pools around. I love to swim in fresh water but I am not going to risk my life to do it.

 

[MissionMouse]

Here are two good sources for information regarding this issue:
http://www.ecofloridamag.com/askeditor_waterborne_illness.htm
http://www.ecofloridamag.com/amoebae.pdf

 

[flyball]

This is incredibly sad. We recently returned from a stay at the Caribbean Beach and we noticed children swimming in the lakes of the resort a few times during our visit. I was tempted to say something, but didn't want to offend anyone. I wonder if Disney should be more vigilant about keeping people out of the lakes.