While swimming in natural bodies of water can be refreshing, it poses risks due to potential exposure to harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Bill Sullivan, a microbiologist, stresses that healthy individuals may recover from infections, but vulnerable groups—such as young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems—should be particularly cautious about swimming in questionable waters. Experts recommend being mindful of water quality, especially since inland water bodies don’t have the same monitoring as beaches, making it challenging to assess safety before entering the water.
"Jumping into even the prettiest and clearest rivers, lakes, creeks, and other natural bodies of water can expose you to a cesspool of unpleasant and invisible fellow swimmers..."
"If you're mostly healthy, you'll fare better than some; if you're exposed to bacteria or other nefarious germs, your body should recover fairly successfully."
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