Nearly every summer, the CDC warn the public that splash pads can cause serious gastrointestinal illness outbreaks. This is because splash pads may not be an “aquatic venue” legally speaking and so don’t need to meet local sanitation standards. In 2021, almost 70 children were infected with shigella and norovirus at a splashpad in Kansas, three required hospitalization and in Texas that year a three year old died from Naegleria fowleri, a brain eating amebae.

The nature of the venue can also be at issue: even if the water is sanitized and not-recirculated, the splash pad’s jets and fountains can aerosolized the water causing the chlorine (or other disinfecting chemicals) to evaporate too quickly to work. If you frequent splash pads, it might be a good idea to check in with the city or owner to see how the water is managed and tested.

Teach kids not to sit on the jets or get water in their mouths, which is easier said than done, I know. Change poopy diapers asap regardless of whether its a swim diaper and for the love of all that is holy, don’t take your kid to the splash pad (or pool) if they are sick, even if you think it’s not contagious. Plus, it’s good practice to make sure everyone gets a good bath or shower once you’re home to remove bacteria, virus, and even fungus from skin and hair and wash towels and swimsuits before reusing them.

Sources

21 June 2024. “What You Can Do to Stay Healthy at Splash Pads.” CDC.

Stavola, Michael. 6 Aug 2022. “New CDC study offers best look at how many people got sick at Kansas park last year.” The Wichita Eagle.

Beausoleil, Sophia. 31 Aug 2023. “Father whose son died from a ‘brain-eating amoeba’ upset about the possible detection of the same organism in a different Arlington splash pad.” NBCDFW.