Indianapolis, IN – In what might be the most important—and yet somehow still necessary—public health announcement of the summer, the Indiana Department of Health has issued a blunt, almost parental-level warning: if you have diarrhea, do not cannonball into a public pool.
Yes, this is real. Yes, they had to say it. And yes, apparently this is still happening in 2025.
According to the Department’s frankly exhausted-sounding social media post shared Thursday, people with diarrhea should absolutely, under no circumstances, go swimming. This isn’t just a suggestion like “wear sunscreen” or “don’t eat 40 hot dogs.” This is science-backed, community-saving advice, because just one person with gastrointestinal fireworks can ruin the pool party for everyone.
Let’s break it down like a responsible adult: When you swim with diarrhea, even a microscopic particle of contaminated poop—yes, poop—can spread parasites like Cryptosporidium, which is chlorine-resistant and has a reputation for turning family fun into a gastrointestinal group project. So basically, your bad decision becomes everyone’s digestive nightmare.
According to the Indiana Department of Health, who are probably wondering why this is their job in the first place, summer swimmers should follow these painfully obvious but apparently still needed guidelines:
- Don’t swim (or let your kid swim) with diarrhea
- Change diapers away from the water like a civilized human
- Take bathroom breaks—because your toddler isn’t a goldfish
- Don’t swallow pool water—it’s not a cocktail
Health officials say this isn’t just about personal comfort. It’s about protecting babies, grandparents, immune-compromised folks, and anyone who prefers their water free of human error and colon-based contamination.
So let’s all agree on this one, ironclad, no-room-for-debate summer pact: If your stomach is performing a Slip ‘N Slide routine, don’t go near the pool.
It’s not political. It’s public health. And it’s basic friendship.
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