Pool Season Hygiene and Safety Reminders

FARGO, N.D.– It is that time of year again, time for swimming lessons, fun with friends and family, and getting some much needed relief from the heat by cooling off in pools. Fargo Cass Public Health (FCPH) would like to remind area residents to take the following precautions before and after using public pools, to help prevent bacterial illnesses like Cryptosporidia, Norovirus, and “Swimmer’s Ear”:

Avoid the Pool:  If you do not feel well or if you have any cuts or open wounds

Rinse off in the showers using soap before you start swimming

Take children on regular bathroom breaks and check diapers every 30-60 minutes

Wash hands after using the bathroom

Do not swallow pool water

Obey all pool rules

Wash your swimsuits after each pool visit

Another reminder is that all pools in Cass County with a circulation system and/or 2 feet of water need a fence at least 5 feet in height that completely encircles the pool.

According to FCPH environmental health director Grant Larson, “Practicing these tips helps cut down on the number of reported illnesses and injuries in and around public pools.”

For more information swimming pool rules and regulations in Cass County, call the Fargo Cass Public Health Environmental Health Division at 701-476-6729.

22nd Annual Race the Red

Canoe and Kayak Races Official Results

Thirty-nine canoe and kayak teams participated in River Keepers’ Dan Pullen Memorial Race the Red making it the largest event to date! The top three finishers in the 10-mile competitive and the 2-mile fun races were:

10-mile Competitive Race:

Canoe Solo

1st Jim Murphy – Fargo, ND; 2 hours, 5 minutes

Canoe Male Team

1st Brad Johnson – Waseca, MN & Bruce Johnson, Albert Lea, MN – 1 hour, 43 minutes

2nd Kent Rodgers & James Council – both Fargo, 1 hour, 58 minutes

Canoe Female Team

1st Sandy Imen – Grafton, ND & Deianeira Regino – Fergus Falls, MN – 2 hours, 45 minutes

Canoe Co-Ed Team

1st Gary & Joan Opp – both Fargo, ND ; 3 hours, 4 minutes

2nd Morgan Opp & Daniel Carrizales – both Fargo, 3 hours, 4 minutes

Male Solo Kayak

1st Scott Olson – Moorhead, MN; 1 hour 34 minutes

2nd Todd Stutzman – Fargo, ND; 1 hour, 50 minutes

3rd Vijay Gaba – Fargo, ND; 1 hour 56 minutes

Female Solo Kayak

1st Nicole Lee – Fargo, ND; 2 hours, 9 minutes

2nd Maria Stutzman – Fargo, ND; 2 hours, 32 minutes

3rd Setphanie Meier – Fargo, ND; 2 hours, 53 minutes

Nontraditional

1st Andy Magnuss – Grand Forks, ND; 2 hours, 32 minutes on an inflatable stand up paddleboard

2-Mile Fun Race:

Canoe Team

1st Matt Ahonen – Dilworth, MN & Dave Ahonen – Moorhead, MN – 17:59

2nd James Lang & Bailey Lang – both Fargo, ND; 19:28

3rd Cara Christenson & Cole Christenson – both Fargo, ND; 20:21

Solo Kayak

1st Jon Opgrand – Fargo, ND; 19:57

2nd Caine Opgrand – Fargo, ND; 20:30

3rd Tom Moberg, Fargo, 20:31

Tandem Kayak

1st Mikki Schmit – Fargo, ND & Noel Lemkul-King – Moorhead, MN; 19:43

Non Traditional

1st Lorene Mathern, Reba Mathern – Jacobson, Mila Mathern-Jacobson – all Fargo, 20:16

2nd Ann Braaten – Fargo, ND, Deb Pullen – Fargo, ND and Hilary Ray, Moorhead, MN – 20:20