While nearly 5,000 bathers die each year, another 12,000 to 16,000 will survive a near drowning accident. Most near drowning victims will experience severe brain damage that leads to thousands of dollars in medical costs and lifelong medical dependency. In addition to near drownings, another 500 spinal injuries will occur each year. Spinal cord injuries may result in permanent paralysis and, like near drownings, cost the victims and their families thousands of dollars in medical treatment and an immeasurable loss of quality of life. The greatest emerging public health issue with pools and spas relates to the transmission of disease.
History is full of examples of traditional waterborne outbreaks associated with recreational waters.
Modern concerns, however, revolve around developing microorganisms that are becoming more resistant to traditional sanitizing procedures. Some microorganisms reproduce about every 30 minutes. This extremely high rate of reproduction affords them the opportunity to rapidly adjust to evolving environmental conditions. This ability to adapt to environmental changes has resulted in disease producing organisms that pose a greater threat to human health. In recent years, the severity of waterborne disease outbreaks seems to be increasing.