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in collaboration with
Dr Gérald Kierzek (Medical Director)
During the Olympics, an Australian water polo player was offended by the footbaths in front of French swimming pools, which she considered “disgusting”. But what is the reality? Is this little obligatory step before diving really necessary or does it act as a breeding ground for germs? The opinion of Dr. Gérald Kierzek.
A “dirty and filthy” lake. These are the sweet words of an Australian water polo player upon discovering the French-style footbaths in front of the Olympic swimming pools. With video support, she films her teammates who are struggling to step over the footbath, with a look of disgust. This is because the obligatory passage through this “rinsing” of the feet is not universal: if it is common in France, Switzerland or Germany for example, Ireland, Canada and Australia easily do without it. But is Elle Armit, the athlete, right to fear for her health? Are these footbaths safe or superfluous?
A hygiene measure that is not superfluous
To answer this, perhaps we should first clarify something: the water in the footbath in which you dip your feet is not stagnant water, nor is it unfit.
Information confirmed in 20 minutesby Jean-Michel Lapoux, general secretary of the French Federation of Lifeguards (FMNS).
“What you need to know is that the bleach concentration there is much higher than in the pool basin, so the disinfection is done here”.
Walking in this small paddling pool is therefore a mandatory step in France before accessing the pools according to the decree of April 7, 1981 establishing the hygiene and safety standards applicable to swimming pools and designated bathing areas.
The three essential roles of footbaths
Dr. Gérald Kierzek, medical director of Doctissimo, explains the three advantages of this measure, which we are not always aware of:
- Footbaths help reduce the amount of dirt, sand, dust and microorganisms brought into the pool by swimmers’ feet. This helps maintain cleaner, healthier water.
- By removing personal care product residue and other chemical contaminants from swimmers’ feet, footbaths help minimize unwanted chemical reactions in pool water.
- By reducing the presence of bacteria, viruses and other germs on bathers’ feet, footbaths help prevent the spread of disease in pool water.
But an area that must be disinfected daily
The fact remains that to be effective, the footbath must be functional. The water must therefore arrive there continuously, with an open tap. According to the texts, a complete draining must also be carried out every day to remove all bacteria and possible grass residues.
“Footbaths require regular maintenance to remain effective. They must be cleaned and disinfected frequently to prevent them from becoming a source of contamination themselves.” confirms our expert.
The effectiveness of footbaths also depends on the behavior of users.
“If swimmers don’t use them correctly or don’t use them at all, the hygienic benefit is greatly reduced.”
Finally, if it is only necessary to remind you, the footbath is reserved… for your feet and only your feet.You don’t swim in it, and you don’t sit in it.” concludes our doctor.