Pete...I will never doubt you.

[CanadianTrips]

As a Canadian, I couldn't believe that all of the water in Florida was toxic to warrant the "stay out of the damn lakes" as we spend our summers in freshwater lakes and rivers without fear...Pete...based on the article from the Orlando Sentinel below...your words (and rants) will always be taken as fact.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/health/os-girl-gets-amoeba-infection-20110811,0,4096637.story

Sorry as a lurker I don't have enough posts to post the link...I shall lurk no more...

My kids will be staying in the pools during our next WDW visit.
Thanks for all you do.

 

[DisneyKevin]

Hi CanadianTrips,

I edited your link just a bit so that it takes you right to the story.

Hope you dont mind.

Kevin

 

[CanadianTrips]

Kevin,
Greatly appreciated...I was trying to figure out where I could post 5 extra times to quickly get to post the link.

 

[Disneybridein2k3]

I wanted to edit this paragraph to say health experts and local podcasters:

The Naegleria fowleri amoeba lives in many Florida lakes and, when water temperatures rise as they have in recent weeks, health experts warn swimmers to stay out of fresh water.

 

[snowy76]

We're in Orlando this week and I've been following this story just because of Pete's mantra... word is that the teenager from Brevard County has died

http://www.wftv.com/news/28858222/detail.html

 

[FLORIDA_GIRL]

My son went in for his school physical (first doctor visit since we moved to Orlando) a couple of days ago and the doctor told my 11 year old to make sure he always wears his seatbelt, eats enough fruits and vegetables, and does not go swimming in the lakes...I immediately thought of Pete and the Podcast and got a little chuckle...lol!

 

[DisneyKevin]

We're in Orlando this week and I've been following this story just because of Pete's mantra... word is that the teenager from Brevard County has died

http://www.wftv.com/news/28858222/detail.html

This is very sad.

My prayers are with her family.

 

[SamSam]

So very sad that this young person has died.

 

[kaligal]

I didn't even need to hear "amoeba" to get me out of the water.

"Alligator" was good enough for me. Eek.

 

[PinkBudgie]

I didn't even need to hear "amoeba" to get me out of the water.

"Alligator" was good enough for me. Eek.

No kidding! When someone on the podcast (forgot who it was- Kevin?) said they had an alligator in their backyard and animal control (or whoever does alligators) wouldn't come unless it was big enough, that made me appreciate California.

So sad to hear about that girl. But thankful for Pete's warnings because I never would have known how dangerous that was even without the alligators.

 

[PeterPan09]

There have been other children who have died from this-but it's been a while and I think people forgot. I've noticed since I've moved here that folks who have been here a long time are almost defensive about lake swimming-insisting that they've been doing it forever and everyone is fine. I truly hope that another child doesn't have to die to wake people up.

 

[disneychic2]

This is so sad. What a tragedy. Her parents will probably feel so guilty over this. They all need our prayers.

 

[figment3258]

It's very sad

 

[CanadianTrips]

I feel horrible that this poor girl didn't make it...I agree that the alligators used to be the concern, but I always wondered how great it would be to run into the water at the Poly or Grand Floridian and play on the beach in sight of the MK, but Pete's words came at a good time before I had kids...

This is obviously avoidable, but I'm sure lots of Floridians don't think it is a big deal and the risk is low (especially young adults who may not differentiate between fresh and salt water), but like anything a risk is a risk...you can't stop living, but, better to know the risks and avoid if you can...

I'm always amazed at how the Pod Cast Team can have an impact on so many things...through education, honesty and fun.

 

[kaligal]

I feel horrible that this poor girl didn't make it...I agree that the alligators used to be the concern, but I always wondered how great it would be to run into the water at the Poly or Grand Floridian and play on the beach in sight of the MK...

I did it. Wasn't as great as I'd thought it would be, honestly.

I was mentioning it on the DIS when someone said, "Hey, idiot, don't you know we have crocs here? If you can't see through the water, assume crocs because you never know."

I always knew they had those in Florida, but never thought of it when I was there...and appreciated the advice!