Our Environment is in trouble. And if we don’t act fast, our sport will be too. Research shows that more then 1% of all United States triathlons are swum in questionable bodies of water quality. Last year over 10 triathlons were cancelled or became duathlons because of poor water quality. This number continues to increase every year. Now you might say “Dude relax its 1% no big deal”. Actually USAT the United States governing body for triathlon requires event organizers to provide the name of the local water quality testing agency. But USAT does NOT actually follow up to see if the water testing took place prior to the event and USAT’s sanctioning the event. It is only when someone complaints with a water illness USAT asks for the testing results. According to a reliable source inside USAT only about 60% of the races actually have a water quality test prior to an event. Most recent data shows 897 triathlons take place in the United States each year. That’s 360 events that go unmonitored. Monitoring our bodies of water is one thing, pollution is another.

Swimming, is one of the most popular activities in the country, is a fun, active, and healthy way to spend leisure time. It is also the first leg of our sport. Every year, millions of people visit “recreational water” sites, such as swimming pools, water parks, hot tubs, lakes, rivers, or the ocean. Over the past century, the use of modern disinfection systems in pools and environmental improvements in our lakes, rivers, and oceans has improved the quality of recreational water. Despite this, there has been an increase over the past decade in the number of outbreaks of illness associated with swimming.

Various Websites provide information for swimmers, pool operators, and public health professionals to improve the swimming experience by raising awareness about the spread of recreational water illnesses. Practicing "Healthy Swimming" behaviors should reduce the risk of getting ill. In addition of healthy swimming practices you can personally help change the quality of water in your local community by using effective ways of reducing the damage to your local environment. The most effective way to reduce beach water pollution is through prevention efforts. Many of these efforts require large-scale activities by states, counties, or municipalities to improve the quality and operations of sewage treatment plants.

Contact your local government to see how you can help or start a community group and start helping to reduce water pollution today. The following practices are easy and will help keep your beach water safe: