Healthy and Safe Swimming Week promotes steps everyone can take to prevent disease, drowning, and pool chemical injuries. This year's theme — Splash Your Way into Fun, Not Germs — focuses on the steps that children and their caregivers can take to stay healthy when visiting splash pads.
We all share the water we swim, play, or relax in. Protect yourself and those you care about from germs by taking the following steps:
- Stay out of the water if you are sick with diarrhea. If you have Crypto, don’t go back in the water until 2 weeks after your diarrhea has completely stopped.
- Don’t poop in the water.
- Don’t swallow the water. Chlorine kills most germs within minutes, but some poop germs can survive in chlorine for days.
- Take kids on bathroom breaks and check diapers every hour. Change diapers away from the water to help keep germs out of the water. Wash your hands after.
🏊♂️ Before You Swim
- Learn basic swimming skills – Take lessons if you’re not confident in the water.
- Check conditions – Look for weather, water temperature, depth, and currents.
- Shower before swimming – Removes body oil, cosmetics, and other contaminants
- Know the area – Avoid unknown or unmarked waters.
- Warm up first – Prevent muscle cramps by easing into activity.
👀 Supervision & Awareness
- Never swim alone – Always have a buddy or lifeguard present.
- Watch children closely – Stay within arm’s reach of young swimmers.
- Follow lifeguard instructions – They are trained to spot hazards quickly.
- Avoid distractions – Stay focused while swimming (no rough play or excessive distractions).
🦺 Safety Gear
- Wear life jackets when needed – Especially for weak swimmers or open water.
- Use flotation devices properly – Avoid relying on toys or inflatables for safety.
- Bright swimwear – Makes you more visible in open water.
🌊 Water Awareness
- Know your limits – Don’t swim beyond your ability or endurance.
- Be cautious of currents – If caught in a rip current, stay calm, float, and swim parallel to shore.
- Avoid diving in shallow water – Check depth first to prevent head or spinal injuries.
- Stay hydrated – Even when swimming, dehydration can happen.
🧊 Cold & Heat Safety
- Cold water caution – Sudden immersion can shock your body; enter slowly.
- Watch for hypothermia – Shivering, numbness, or confusion are warning signs.
- Sun protection – Use sunscreen, wear hats, and take breaks in shade.
🚫 What to Avoid
- No alcohol or drugs – They impair judgment, balance, and reaction time.
- Don’t pee or poop in the water – Also, avoid swallowing water.
- Don’t swim during storms – Lightning and rough conditions are dangerous.
- Avoid drains and suction areas – Especially in pools or hot tubs.
🆘 Emergency Preparedness
- Learn CPR & basic rescue skills – These can save lives.
- Have a phone available – Always have a way to call for help.
- Reach, throw, don’t go – Use objects to help someone instead of jumping in unless trained.
- Resources
