the horse's mouth: Bodysurfing

Hepatitis: a problem for surfers due to the improper disposal of red waste, a hazardous waste, such as syringes. The disease can be spread in the nation’s waters through needle and blood pollution.

Enteric Bacteria: it is transported by storm water and sewage run-off; the beaches become contaminated with fecal pollution, known as enterococci. The bacteria contaminates the intestinal tracts of humans and animals.

Legionnaire’s disease: a respiratory illness that grows in warm waters; it’s a form of pneumonia and is contracted when one inhales mist or vapor that is contaminated with the bacteria; it causes high fever, muscle aches and coughing.

Oil Spill Related Illnesses: dermatitis and other skin infections can be contracted following dermal contact with oil or dispersants.

Swimmer’s Ear (Otitis Externa): an infection of the external auditory canal that is often contracted during the summer in humid environments; disturbs the skin’s ability to serve as a barrier.

Gastroenteritis: cause diarrhea, which can be contracted from cryptosporidium, giardia, shigella, e.coli and norovirus.

Swimmer’s Itch (Schistosome cercarial dermatitis): an itchy rash that is caused by parasites; trematode parasites move from host to host.

Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis): also called Conjunctivitis is one of the most common eye infections that can be contracted in water; irritates the eyes causing people to touch the affected area, spreading the infection; often people wear contact lenses at the beach, which harbors the bacteria.

MRSA: present in sub-tropical waters; spreads from one body to another through water and is washed into the ocean where the bacteria can infect populations of beachgoers.

(Source: surfertoday.com)