Some studies indicate that swimmers have a higher over-all illness rate than non-swimmers:

The option stating that swimmers have a higher overall illness rate than non-swimmers regardless of bathing water quality is particularly relevant in discussions surrounding public health and recreational water use. This indicates that the increased risk of illness among swimmers is not solely tied to the quality of the water in which they swim, suggesting that other factors contribute to swimmer-related illnesses.

For instance, swimmers can be exposed to various pathogens or irritants regardless of the water's quality, such as those found in communal environments, chlorine reactions, or even the physical activity of swimming itself. This highlights the complexity of health risks associated with swimming — it extends beyond just the sanitary conditions of the water, emphasizing the need for comprehensive health education for swimmers and potential monitoring of health outcomes for individuals engaging in recreational swimming.

This understanding also prompts further investigation into the sources of illness related to swimming, including other environmental factors or individual vulnerabilities, leading to effective measures for enhancing swimmer safety and public health initiatives.