Understanding The Health Risks Of Splash Pads For Children

If your summer resembles mine, it’s filled with sunscreen, popsicles, and endless visits to the neighborhood splash pad. My children—ages 6, 3, and 1—thrive during those water-soaked afternoons. And really, who wouldn’t appreciate a chance for them to expend some energy while staying refreshed? Splash pads combine outdoor enjoyment with water play, minus the deep-end worries that come with swimming pools.

However, I recently stumbled upon a new CDC report featured in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report that caused me to take pause. It reveals that splash pads, despite being fun, can also unexpectedly serve as breeding grounds for waterborne illnesses. Between 1997 and 2022, the CDC investigated 60 outbreaks linked to splash pads, impacting over 10,000 individuals. Among those affected, 152 required hospitalization, while 99 sought emergency room treatment. Fortunately, there were no fatalities.

This is indeed a concerning revelation, but understanding these risks—and how to navigate them—can empower us to protect our families without sacrificing this summer enjoyment.

Assessing the Risk: What’s in the Water?

Splash pads operate by spraying water that may either be recirculated through filters or directly discharged into the sewer. The concern arises from the fact that recirculated water isn’t always adequately filtered, and these splash pads attract young children who might not have mastered hygiene basics (think: diapers, potty-training mishaps, and hands-on-everything excitement).

The primary offender in these outbreaks is Cryptosporidium (Crypto), a chlorine-resistant parasite known to cause gastrointestinal illnesses, including cryptosporidiosis, which can lead to watery diarrhea lasting up to three weeks.

Crypto is especially resilient in splash pad water, even in the presence of disinfectants like chlorine. Other problematic organisms include bacteria such as E. coli and viruses like norovirus, which can lead to a range of gastrointestinal issues from mild stomach cramps to more serious conditions.

Steps for Parents

While this information is troubling, it doesn’t mean splash pads are off the table entirely. With a few proactive strategies, you can greatly lessen your family’s risk:

• Promote Bathroom Breaks and Hygiene Practices

Encourage bathroom breaks and check swim diapers every hour. If a change is necessary, always do so away from the splash pad. Keep in mind that swim diapers aren’t leakproof—they function more like a “damage control” measure.

My kids find sitting on the water sprayers hilarious, but it’s also one of the quickest ways to spread germs. Directly sitting on water jets or bringing mouths close to the spray may seem innocent, but it’s advisable to promote playing while standing or running through the water instead—it’s both safer and just as entertaining.

• Teach About Safe Water Use

Instruct your children to avoid drinking the water—a challenge with toddlers, I understand. Nonetheless, gentle reminders can be beneficial.

• Choose Splash Pads Carefully

Opt for facilities that display clear maintenance schedules or have visible water quality check signs. Splash pads that employ efficient filtration systems and regular disinfection protocols are your best option.

Related: Pediatrician shares water safety tips for parents amid new CDC data on drowning

The Importance of Awareness

Splash pads are designed to be safe alternatives to swimming pools—especially suitable for younger children—and their popularity highlights how much families appreciate this kind of play. While these findings can naturally induce alarm, the encouraging news is that these risks are largely preventable. By making minor adjustments in how we utilize splash pads and carefully selecting well-managed facilities, parents can ensure their children enjoy these summer pastimes safely.

A Balanced Summer Fun Approach

As a mother, I completely understand—splash pads are a quintessential summer activity. Armed with this understanding, my goal isn’t to stop visiting them altogether but to be more conscious of our time there. With a bit of additional awareness, you can keep splash pad days a safe and joyful aspect of your summer schedule.

Sources:

1. Splash pads and illnesses in children. CDC. 2024. “Waterborne Disease Outbreaks Associated with Splash Pads — United States, 1997–2022.”