Swimming is a great way to cool off, get exercise, and have fun with friends and family.

Your help is needed to reduce the increasing outbreaks of illness associated with swimming in contaminated water. The water can appear clean but still contain infectious germs.

For healthy swimming and to keep germs out of pools and other recreational waters, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued the following PLEAs…

For All Swimmers:

Please don't swim when you have diarrhea. This is especially important for kids in diapers. You can spread germs in the water and make other people sick.

Please don't swallow the pool water. In fact, avoid getting water in your mouth.

Please practice good hygiene. Take a shower before swimming and wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers. Germs on your body end up in the water.

For Parents of Young Kids:

Please take your kids on bathroom breaks or check diapers often. Waiting to hear "I have to go" may mean that it's too late.

Please change diapers in a bathroom and not at poolside. Germs can spread to surfaces and objects in and around the pool and spread illness.

Please wash your child thoroughly (especially the rear end) with soap and water before swimming.

Source: CDC “Health Swimming.”