If you're headed to a beach resort, river or any international body of water, it's a good idea to check water conditions before setting out on your trip. In some countries, you should avoid swimming or dipping your feet into fresh water lakes or ponds that might be a breeding ground for waterborne parasites. People get schistosomiasis when their skin comes in contact with contaminated fresh water in which certain types of snails are living. The disease is treatable, but because there is no easy way to know if water is contaminated, avoid swimming or wading in fresh water when you are in countries where schistosomiasis is known to occur. Swimming in the ocean and in chlorinated swimming pools is generally thought to be safe.
Marine life poses another water risk to vacationing feet.
On the west coast of Florida, for example, swimmers should shuffle their feet when wading into the Gulf of Mexico to avoid stepping on or being stung by a stingray. River shoes are a good idea if there is a risk of stepping on shells, rocks or living marine life. These shoes, or plastic or rubber sandals, also come in handy when showering in stalls that might harbour bacteria or fungi. With a few preparations and safeguards, your trip can be a healthy and happy one, for you and your feet. If you enter your name, we will add it to our Thanks page, and credit you in the text.