It’s summertime and there’s no better way to cool off than a relaxing bath. Some New Carlisle residents have been spotted using puddles created by rain showers as a makeshift bathtub or swimming pool. While these crystal clear waters may seem inviting, there are several safety concerns you should know about before taking the plunge.

Puddles form in parking lots and on roads as rain flows across the pavement. While this may seem like a perfectly sanitary means to fill a bath there are many issues to consider.

Engine Oil

Oil is the lifeblood of a car and from time to time cars bleed. The oils from a car are not the same as bath oils you may purchase at a store. They may feel the same but they often leave the body smelling less than desirable. Motor oil in one’s hair is especially difficult to remove and while it may leave the hair with that stylish sleek look, the oil will also cause dirt and grime to stick to your hair.

Antifreeze

Antifreeze is used to keep your car running cool. It is also used as a means by some, to control the stray animal problem. Antifreeze does not work on the human body the same way it works on a car. No matter how hot a summer day may be, it’s not a good idea to get into antifreeze. It could cause death if ingested and bathing or swimming in puddles leaves one at a high risk of internal contact.

Dirt

Dirt lies all over the ground and is one of the main reasons we bathe. It makes sense that since the puddle is also on the ground it would contain dirt, thus rendering the whole puddle bath pointless. You wouldn’t eat a loaf of garlic bread and then wash your mouth out with garlic butter, would you?

Road Kill

We’ve all ran over diseased animals at some point in our lives. When we do this, it is our car’s tires that make contact with the carcass and those same tires, at times, make contact with puddles, thus spreading the disease to the body of water. You don’t want to be known as the person who contracted some disease from a roadkill puddle.

Those are just a few reasons swimming or bathing in puddles is not only unsafe but also counter productive. If you have any questions or concerns about swimming in puddles please contact the health department.