Re the message, where your local swimming pool won't let babies in under 5 months! This pool needs to get its act together! This is nothing to do with hygeine!
It probably stems from the live polio vaccine which used to be given. Polio is a waterborne disease, and could be spread in very easilly through poo! However, since the new vaccine, this is not a problem. Babies can go swimming from birth. I'm a specialist baby swim teacher, probably one of the most experienced in the country, and the recommendation to have the first vaccination before going to a public pool is for your own baby's protection. There is no hazard whatsoever, as long as a well fitting swim nappy is used. Some pools ask or a belt and braces duel nappy system, such as Konfidence do, and I think this is a good idea. If poo gets into the water, the pool should be emptied, refilled and re balanced with chlorine etc and reheated (not that many pools will do that, as it can take a LONG time!, but they do need to do what's called a backwash, which involves changing the top 12" of water, so it's quite a big deal.
The important thing is to TELL someone if it happens, even though it's embarassing. Imagine how you'd feel if your child pooed in the water, you kep quiet, and then there was a health scare in the pool. Even if it wasn't caused by tour child's accident you'd feel awfully guilty!
I won't rabbit on any more, but if anyone wants advice on babyswimming, please email me [email protected]