Tips to have safe dips

The main idea of ‘Krishna Pushkaralu’ is to take a dip in the holy water of Krishna River. However, when water becomes contaminated by pathogens like bacteria, fungi and parasites, found in the faecal matter or in an infected person or animal.

These pathogens can be spread when someone swallows water that has been contaminated. Individuals with compromised immune systems, who come into contact with these parasites, can also be at greater risk for serious illness.

To avoid the contaminations, and to be safe some precautions has to be taken.

Never drink water from a river or lake.

• If contaminated water has been swallowed, refer to your doctor with full details of the incident.
• Only drink from your own water bottles.
• Always shower after contact with the river water.
• Wash hands thoroughly and shower if necessary before eating or drinking.
• Do not throw your coxswain into the water.
• Cover the cuts and abrasions (including blisters) with waterproof dressings.
• Wear suitable footwear when launching or retrieving a boat, particularly if it is necessary to wade into the water to prevent direct contact with the water and protect the feet from cuts and abrasions.
• Avoid immersion in, or contact with, water, particularly if there is an algal scum or bloom.
• Do not splash river water onto your face or body in order to cool down (take a bottle of tap water with you for this)
• Hose down all equipment after outings to remove any potential contamination
• Keep your hand clean particularly if contaminated with blood
• Wash, and thoroughly dry, any contaminated clothing before re-use
• Maintain your immunisation regime against Tetanus, also Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Polio, Typhoid and Dysentery when training abroad.
• Better to avoid eating all air exposed food items near the river.
• Keep your medicines and first aid kits ready.

Dr K Ashok Reddy (Ph.D), Synteny Life Sciences Pvt Ltd