The "Real" Reason Not to Swim at the Resort Beaches

[Poly Pal]

Remember awhile back we all speculated about bacteria and alligators in the Seven Seas Lagoon as the reason you can't swim at the GF, Polynesian, CR beaches? Well earlier this week the Orlando Sentinel reported that 2 children have been "attacked by amoeba" that cause serious, often fatal brain infections (in Volusia Co., not at WDW). They say it is a problem at all freshwater lakes in Florida. (If I were technologically smart enough, I'd give a link to the articles that ran Thursday and yesterday.)

They said the amoeba enter the body through the nose and "old fashioned nose clips" would help prevent exposure. As for me and my kids - WE"RE STAYING IN THE POOL!

 

[Luv2Roam]

There is a thread on this on News and Rumors board too.
Here's a news link:
http://www.upi.com/view.cfm?StoryID=20020725-100255-1720r

 

[Disneydenise]

It was reported on CNN today that one of the children has died. How very sad. I won't ever go in those lakes again.

 

[bigs1923t]

Although I just read the article about the infected boy I dont think it has anything to do with Disney not allowing you to swim in their lakes. If this were correct Disney would not allow you to water ski in their lakes. By doing this and charging for it they would be opening theirselves up for a giant liability suit. The story listed one of the hazards of being infected as excessive water up the nose such as in falling off of water skis.

 

[cindala]

Personally, I don't like to set a foot in any water that I can't clearly see the bottom of. Translation: I stay away from lakes, ponds, etc. and stick with a nice clean pool!

 

[Maleficent2]

such very sad news.

I truly hope this child is a miracle and makes a full recovery.



Mal

 

[Tluvs2talk]

WE heard about this amoeba years ago when we were children. We use to go to Lake Marion in SC and swim and heard about this strange amoeba entering through the nose and going into the brain. It seems like it was mainly linked to boy's at that time. We were told not to go under the docks or swim under water. I haven't heard about this again until now. I also do not like to swim in water where I can't see. This is very sad

 

[Sammie]

yes bacteria does affect "some" Disney lakes and others are not affected. If Bay Lake where the skiing and parasailing is done where a threat then no one would be allowed to use it.

Usually the area at the Yacht and Beach, CBR, CSR, and sometimes at the Polynesian and Grand Fl. are posted. If the sign on the beach says do not swim, then it is there for a reason.

Sad thing is Disney puts out the signs and people ignore them. Kinda like they ignore them when they tell them to get out of the pool due to an approaching storm, they stay in till lightening zaps them.

 

[JungleMansion]

While on the boat that goes from resorts to the MK, our skipper told us that he had a friend who inspected lakes, and that his friend said that particular lake is one of the cleanest he's ever inspected. Which was surprising considering how it looks and all of the boat traffic that ocurs. I suppose maybe the alligators really are the real threat here. I've heard a lot about them hanging around, and even saw one in Liberty Square. Considering all the animals that encounter the lake, we've even seen an otter playing around in it once, I too would rather stick to the pools.