Joining Pete's Campaign on NO SWIMMING!!

[safetymom]

Yes parasailing and waverunners would be safer. I sure wouldn't want to be swimming with the gators and the snakes in deeper water. The ameoba is usually found closer to shore.

 

[Cool-Beans]

The way I see it, why go swimming in a place that has a really good chance of not having deadly amoebae and alligators when you could go swimming in a place that has zero chance of those things?

Hello, swimming pool. Let's be friends.

I was thankful when it was pointed out to me.

When I parasailed I never even touched the water.

 

[UrsulasShadow]

I don't usually mind snakes, but aggressive, poisonous water snakes are something I'd try to avoid.
I don't usually mind lizards, but really big, sharp-toothed hungry lizards that could eat me are another story.
I don't mind catching a cold, but brain-eating amoebas are a different beast altogether (I don't think I'd want EEE or West Nile, either, so I wear DEET around here).
You take precautions. With driving, not so many options available...to get from point A to point B, you do have to get on a road most times...but you do take precautions.
For swimming...there are POOLS. Nice, clean (mostly), non-lethal, lifeguarded POOLS. Why risk it swimming in a stinky, dieselly, microbe/lizard/snake infested lake?

 

[DizMom11]

Thank you all! It is obvious that is unsafe to swim in the lake. Yes the pools are much nicer, but being in Bay lake, tubing while having such fantastic views was wonderful. It felt like we had the lake to ourselves. (now I know why) I was unfamiliar with the dangers until now, and believe that Sammy Duvall should have known better than to encourage my children to swim in Bay Lake if it was unsafe. I hope they read this and change their practices. I will also be contacting them directly! I hope the Podacasts can do a review of Sammy Duval's in the future. Thanks

 

[disneyholic family]

Thank you all! It is obvious that is unsafe to swim in the lake. Yes the pools are much nicer, but being in Bay lake, tubing while having such fantastic views was wonderful. It felt like we had the lake to ourselves. (now I know why) I was unfamiliar with the dangers until now, and believe that Sammy Duvall should have known better than to encourage my children to swim in Bay Lake if it was unsafe. I hope they read this and change their practices. I will also be contacting them directly! I hope the Podacasts can do a review of Sammy Duval's in the future. Thanks

i've wondered about this - i haven't done any of the parasailing/tubing etc because i thought the water wasn't safe.....but how does disney permit them to operate if it's unsafe?
so i assumed it must actually be safe, but since i tend to worry about everything anyway, i've passed on these activities over the years...
but i'm still wondering whether it's safe or not out in deeper water...

also, now that i think about it.....when you're out boating in those mice boats, you get sprayed with tons of water.....we always are soaked by the time we get back in......is that dangerous?

 

[soupy11]

also, now that i think about it.....when you're out boating in those mice boats, you get sprayed with tons of water.....we always are soaked by the time we get back in......is that dangerous?

Considering the odds, I would say you are 100% safe. Or at least 99.99999999%. You probably have a better chance of scraping your leg on the boat and contracting a flesh eating virus. But then again, you could do that on the monorail.

 

[soupy11]

I don't usually mind snakes, but aggressive, poisonous water snakes are something I'd try to avoid.
I don't usually mind lizards, but really big, sharp-toothed hungry lizards that could eat me are another story.
I don't mind catching a cold, but brain-eating amoebas are a different beast altogether (I don't think I'd want EEE or West Nile, either, so I wear DEET around here).
You take precautions. With driving, not so many options available...to get from point A to point B, you do have to get on a road most times...but you do take precautions.
For swimming...there are POOLS. Nice, clean (mostly), non-lethal, lifeguarded POOLS. Why risk it swimming in a stinky, dieselly, microbe/lizard/snake infested lake?

Actually there are cases of this amoeba in pools.

So stay out of the spray pads, and fountains, and other sources of standing water.

Guys, this is really a non issue. If there was a serious and potential threat, ie. the water temp was high enough, testing shows a possibility, etc. then I think Disney would close the water ways. There are way more instances of contracting Streptococcus pyogenes (Flesh eating bacteria) and you don't even have to swim to get that.

But if it makes you feel safer to stay out of the water then by all means, the info has been posted and we can make informed choices. But to start fearing tube rides, splash pads, etc is really a bit of an over reaction.

 

[catycatcat4]

Yeah, in this case I think that's a safe bet, based on sheer unpleasantness of the water - not due to some one in a million chance at a brain eating critter or a man-eating alligator!

i hate swimming in lakes ive gone tubing a million timse but very rarely your in the wter during that unless you fall off.

 

[ericafny]

Actually there are cases of this amoeba in pools.

So stay out of the spray pads, and fountains, and other sources of standing water.

Guys, this is really a non issue. If there was a serious and potential threat, ie. the water temp was high enough, testing shows a possibility, etc. then I think Disney would close the water ways. There are way more instances of contracting Streptococcus pyogenes (Flesh eating bacteria) and you don't even have to swim to get that.

But if it makes you feel safer to stay out of the water then by all means, the info has been posted and we can make informed choices. But to start fearing tube rides, splash pads, etc is really a bit of an over reaction.

I'm really curious - what makes you an expert on this? How do you know this is a 'non-issue'. It seems as if you live in Canada, so how would you know about the lakes in Florida? If you are some sort of marine biologist or scientist then I can understand you knowing more than the average person on this subject...

 

[safetymom]

I wouldn't call it a non issue. Several people died in the Orlando area last year from this. Yes no one died at Disney. All Pete and others here are doing are warning of the danger. If people decide to take the risk then it falls on them if something happens.

 

[sandyh67]

All I have to say is eeewwwwww
After listening to the podcast I had to go and google it
We plan to move to florida in about 2-5 years I have been admiring a house online that is on a small lake and has a dock- ok, yuk.
Not discouraging me from moving though- not one bit.

 

[soupy11]

I'm really curious - what makes you an expert on this? How do you know this is a 'non-issue'. It seems as if you live in Canada, so how would you know about the lakes in Florida? If you are some sort of marine biologist or scientist then I can understand you knowing more than the average person on this subject...

Yes, biology is my field, mostly fresh water stuff, and we do get fresh water amoebas up north here! I also don't live in China but I know they eat rice! Knowledge can be had from a distance....

Sorry, when I say non-issue, I just meant that there are way more vicious bugs out there that are more of a threat than this....Like I said in my post, its good to have this info out but I just don't think people should put that much attention on it.....at least to the point where it causes stress....for example, do you know that they find this amoeba in drinking water supplies? It is rare that the amoeba latches on to a human as it is not a part of the natural cycle of it's life.

All in all, I am just putting some counterpoints to the issue to allay some fears as it really isn't something that should impact your stay....watch out for flesh eating bacteria though as it is 200 times more likely to impact your visit.....on average 1200 cases per year of flesh eating bacteria versus 121 cases of these amoebas (Since 1937!) To directly compare - 84,000 versus 121. Which bug would you put your dough on?

I love Pete and think he is a great broadcaster and a really interesting guy so please don't think I am being a jerk! I just feel a bit differently on this issue then he does. Would I swim in these lakes? Probably. Would I recommend others do the same? No way. It's all about comfort level.

 

[newtodis]

I was telling DH about this in last night and he goes...

"I used to fish with the gators when I lived in Flordia" I left it at that...DS8 who is a huge animal planet fan lectured on wild animals and I ended it thinking about daring him to swim in Bay Lake next time we are down there.

No worries the ameobas would starv to death if they lived off brain tissue!

I'm pretty much a lurker here on this board but was intrigued by this thread. This post made me wake up my DS4 from napping! He wanted to know what was so funny!

We just moved from MI to SC and I've been reading some amazing things about what "might" be in the water. The house we're renting right now has a lagoon in our back yard and across the street. On the "main" road into the subdivision (aka plantation here), there's a large lagoon. We've seen huge alligators in each of these places. One of the people who lived on our street before we moved in had the mentality that if she fed the gators, they'd leave her alone because they were full. Are you kidding me???? Thank goodness she's not here-we'd have some problems. The funny thing is that people let their kids into these lagoons to swim! Seriously, you didn't see Jeff (DS4 has named the gator [he doesn't really realize that there's more than one yet] Jeff) was just in there???

There is no way in anyplace that I would get into a freakin lake here!

Another "legend" (and good reason to stay out of the lakes) is this:http://lists.ibiblio.org/pipermail/monkeywire/2005-May/000757.html

As for Disney, I won't be going into any areas that look even remotely unsafe for me or anyone in our group. Yes I'm a little parinoid but I'm ok with that. If we all come home safely, I'm good with being a little parinoid.

People - if you have common sense, please use it! My DS4 knows enough about the ways of the World to tell you that you're making a bad choice!

 

[dmccarty]

Sorry I had a typeo on 9 vs 19. Nor should someone take that I'm talking down to someone. I'm not. But the risk of this bug killing some one is pretty close to zero. More people are killed in FLA every year from lightning. My cutting down dead trees is far more dangerous and risking than catching this bug.

I agree that people should know the risk but the bigger risk is swimming not the bug that one might catch from swimming. Far more people die of drowning than are killed by this bug. At least three people have already drowned this season in the lake near my house.

Later,
Dan

 

[catycatcat4]

Thinking about it yall are flipping out way to much.

Its not like many people swim in lakes they are just plain gross all that icky mud

But you have a bigger chance of having a car wrek next time you leave your house. or a car slamming into your house well your on the disboards

Nothing on the planet is safe.

 

[DisneyKevin]

But the risk of this bug killing some one is pretty close to zero.

I'm not trying to nit pick here but 4 kids died LAST YEAR from this.

More people are killed in FLA every year from lightning. My cutting down dead trees is far more dangerous and risking than catching this bug.

Our main goal is to help people coming to Disney have a happy and safe vacation. We have warned folks about the dangers of lightning and thunderstorms. They can be deadly and with the proper precautions....you will be much safe.

That is all we are doing...offering the proper precautions.

I'm not sure about actual statistics, but I'm guessing that very few Disney guests are cutting down dead trees, so I dont thing we need to offer any precautions, but I am betting that precautions are taken prior to your tree cutting.

I agree that people should know the risk but the bigger risk is swimming not the bug that one might catch from swimming. Far more people die of drowning than are killed by this bug. At least three people have already drowned this season in the lake near my house.

People all over the world know that there is a possibility of drowning while swimming. Drowning accidents happen world wide. We dont offer warnings about drowning for that reason.

Lightning is dangerous anywhere in the world, but with 1000's of lighning strikes PER HOUR during a rough Florida thunderstorm, it is especially dangerous to people unaware of that fact. This is our reason for letting folks know that the threat is there. Are we suggesting that everyone in Disney will be struck by lightning....obviously not....but the possibility exists and being armed with information allows you to make an educated choice.

I've lived in Florida since 1994 and live between two fairly large central Florida lakes. Even on the very hottest days, you can drive by either of these lakes and there is not one single person swimming. You might see jet skiers or wake boarders, but no swimmers.

On the off chance that you do see someone in the lake, it is invariably a tourist who assumes that "like the lakes back home" these are safe for swimming. All it usually takes is someone to point out that there might be alligators in the lake to get them back on dry land.

In addition, both lakes have posted no swimming signs.

As for the statistics on these fresh water amoebas....there were 4 children who died last year from swimming in a lake containing amoebas. As I dont have a number to offer of people who swam in FL lakes last year, I have no way offering statistical analysis or percentage of occurence, but four is too high a number if it could be prevented.

I guess I dont see a reason to make a comparison to something even deadlier in order to understand that there is a risk involved in swimming in FL lakes.

Might more people die from something else....yes....but if you know that there is a risk....and the people that own the property have posted signs asking you not to do it....why anyone would continue to do it is beyond me, especially with the number of options available.

And yes....I understand that you have a greater chance of drowning at Blizzard Beach than catching amoebas in Bay Lake, but we've already talked about that.

 

[alebisi]

I'm not trying to nit pick here but 4 kids died LAST YEAR from this.



Our main goal is to help people coming to Disney have a happy and safe vacation. We have warned folks about the dangers of lightning and thunderstorms. They can be deadly and with the proper precautions....you will be much safe.

That is all we are doing...offering the proper precautions.

I'm not sure about actual statistics, but I'm guessing that very few Disney guests are cutting down dead trees, so I dont thing we need to offer any precautions, but I am betting that precautions are taken prior to your tree cutting.



People all over the world know that there is a possibility of drowning while swimming. Drowning accidents happen world wide. We dont offer warnings about drowning for that reason.

Lightning is dangerous anywhere in the world, but with 1000's of lighning strikes PER HOUR during a rough Florida thunderstorm, it is especially dangerous to people unaware of that fact. This is our reason for letting folks know that the threat is there. Are we suggesting that everyone in Disney will be struck by lightning....obviously not....but the possibility exists and being armed with information allows you to make an educated choice.

I've lived in Florida since 1994 and live between two fairly large central Florida lakes. Even on the very hottest days, you can drive by either of these lakes and there is not one single person swimming. You might see jet skiers or wake boarders, but no swimmers.

On the off chance that you do see someone in the lake, it is invariably a tourist who assumes that "like the lakes back home" these are safe for swimming. All it usually takes is someone to point out that there might be alligators in the lake to get them back on dry land.

In addition, both lakes have posted no swimming signs.

As for the statistics on these fresh water amoebas....there were 4 children who died last year from swimming in a lake containing amoebas. As I dont have a number to offer of people who swam in FL lakes last year, I have no way offering statistical analysis or percentage of occurence, but four is too high a number if it could be prevented.

I guess I dont see a reason to make a comparison to something even deadlier in order to understand that there is a risk involved in swimming in FL lakes.

Might more people die from something else....yes....but if you know that there is a risk....and the people that own the property have posted signs asking you not to do it....why anyone would continue to do it is beyond me, especially with the number of options available.

And yes....I understand that you have a greater chance of drowning at Blizzard Beach than catching amoebas in Bay Lake, but we've already talked about that.

Kevin, I just wanted to thank guys for warning us. I come from another country and even if I've been to WDW more that 5 times I didn't know this. I've never swam on the lakes because the signs told not to, but I didn't know why. Now I know and I wanted to thank you, I am warning everyone I know that might be going to Disney because you never know. And as another people mentioned why going to the danger if we can swim in the pools of the Hotel. I just wanted to thank you guys, maybe someone on the USA may know this, but we don't so thanks for the info and for taking care of us. That means you love us

 

[soupy11]

I'm not trying to nit pick here but 4 kids died LAST YEAR from this.



Our main goal is to help people coming to Disney have a happy and safe vacation. We have warned folks about the dangers of lightning and thunderstorms. They can be deadly and with the proper precautions....you will be much safe.

That is all we are doing...offering the proper precautions.

I'm not sure about actual statistics, but I'm guessing that very few Disney guests are cutting down dead trees, so I dont thing we need to offer any precautions, but I am betting that precautions are taken prior to your tree cutting.



People all over the world know that there is a possibility of drowning while swimming. Drowning accidents happen world wide. We dont offer warnings about drowning for that reason.

Lightning is dangerous anywhere in the world, but with 1000's of lighning strikes PER HOUR during a rough Florida thunderstorm, it is especially dangerous to people unaware of that fact. This is our reason for letting folks know that the threat is there. Are we suggesting that everyone in Disney will be struck by lightning....obviously not....but the possibility exists and being armed with information allows you to make an educated choice.

I've lived in Florida since 1994 and live between two fairly large central Florida lakes. Even on the very hottest days, you can drive by either of these lakes and there is not one single person swimming. You might see jet skiers or wake boarders, but no swimmers.

On the off chance that you do see someone in the lake, it is invariably a tourist who assumes that "like the lakes back home" these are safe for swimming. All it usually takes is someone to point out that there might be alligators in the lake to get them back on dry land.

In addition, both lakes have posted no swimming signs.

As for the statistics on these fresh water amoebas....there were 4 children who died last year from swimming in a lake containing amoebas. As I dont have a number to offer of people who swam in FL lakes last year, I have no way offering statistical analysis or percentage of occurence, but four is too high a number if it could be prevented.

I guess I dont see a reason to make a comparison to something even deadlier in order to understand that there is a risk involved in swimming in FL lakes.

Might more people die from something else....yes....but if you know that there is a risk....and the people that own the property have posted signs asking you not to do it....why anyone would continue to do it is beyond me, especially with the number of options available.

And yes....I understand that you have a greater chance of drowning at Blizzard Beach than catching amoebas in Bay Lake, but we've already talked about that.

I think everyone understands that Kevin, but isn't it important to have a bit of balance? Seriously, 121 people have died from this since 1937. That is such a small figure in "cause of death" statistics that it is almost not worth a mention. 6 people died last year, but according to the CDC this was an anomaly and zero have died this year so far.


It is just putting things in perspective. Are you noticing people actually swimming in the Disney lakes? A few waders, sure, but actual swimmers?


I would just say, "there's Gators and snakes out there, don't swim." That will curtail 99% of would be bathers. No need to panic people with a bug that is literally a one in a billion shot. Not saying your trying to panic people, but when things get put out there, they take on a life of their own.

Anyways, my nerdiness and love of bacteria and bugs is showing...I feel a bit protective! LOL

PS. LOVED YOUR REVIEW OF CRT. HOLY CRAP THAT MADE MY LAST HALF OF MY RUN DIFFICULT TO SAY THE LEAST!!!!!!!!!!!Its hard to run double over in laughter......

 

[MenashaCorp]

As one responsible for people's health, I must err on the side of being "protective" of people.

From the Florida dept of health:

Prior to 2008, primary amebic meningoencephalitis was not a reportable disease in
Florida. However, 30 cases have been documented from 1962 through 2007. Of the
30 cases, 19 were from Central Florida, (3 in Orange County in 2007); the other cases
were from the following counties: Baker, Brevard, Broward, Citrus, Lee, Miami-Dade,
Orange, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Seminole and 3 unknown counties. All cases
died from the disease.
Editorial Note:
Recreational water users should assume that there is always a low level of risk
associated with entering all warm fresh water in southern tier states. Because the
location and number of ameba in the water can vary a lot over time, posting signs is
unlikely to be an effective way to prevent infections. In addition, posting signs on only
some fresh water bodies might create a misconception that bodies of water that are not
posted are Naegleria-free.​

Full document, including CDC links with legitimate stats and info linked here:​

http://www.doh.state.fl.us/Environment/community/foodsurveillance/PAM-Naegleria_fowleri_summary.pdf​

As Kevin said, even for something extremely rare, one death is too many if preventable, which this is.

Prevention requires awareness. There is such a thing as healthy paranoia.
What's the harm? The horror of having to wear noseplugs? Swimming where risk is lower?

Not meant as a flame; these boards are meant to be fun (particularly this forum). I just don't get what is gained from downplaying the DIS's attempts to be helpful and informative.

 

[LilGMom]

"30 cases have been documented from 1962 through 2007" I have also read (of course now I can't find the site) that it is very possible that many cases do not go reported as the brain eating ameoba so the actual deaths from it could be much higher.

I believe in erring on the side of caution to a certain degree on everything. I might like to ride on a motorcycle without a helment because the helment can be very hot (especially in the FL sun) and I like the wind in my hair, but I want my noggin protected should it come into contact with the ground.

People should do as the signs say and not get into the lakes, plain and simple.