What does the acronym RWI stand for in swimming safety?

The acronym RWI stands for Recreational Water Illnesses. This term encompasses a range of health problems that can occur when people are exposed to contaminate water while swimming in pools, lakes, rivers, or oceans. These illnesses can result from pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can thrive in recreational water settings. Understanding RWIs is crucial for swimmers and safety personnel as it emphasizes the importance of maintaining clean water and educating the public about safe swimming practices.

Other terms related to water safety, like incidents or injuries, do not fully capture the health concerns associated with recreational water activities, which is specifically what "illnesses" encompasses. This highlights the importance of promoting water hygiene and staying informed about health risks linked to recreational swimming environments.