Splish. Splash. Practice Healthy Swimming Behaviors This Summer!

Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) encourages healthy swimming behaviors to reduce the risk of recreational water illnesses. Recreational Water Illnesses (RWIs) are illnesses that are spread by swallowing, breathing or having contact with contaminated water from swimming pools, spas, lakes, rivers or oceans. RWIs can cause a wide variety of symptoms, including gastrointestinal illness, skin, respiratory, neurological and wound infections. The most commonly reported RWI is diarrhea. Diarrheal illnesses can be caused by germs such as Cryptosporidium, Girardia, Shigella, Norovirus and E. coli.

Practice healthy swimming behaviors:

• Refrain from swimming when ill, especially if you have diarrhea.
• Avoid swallowing pool water or even getting it in your mouth.
• Shower before swimming and wash hands after using bathroom or changing diapers. Change diapers in bathroom and not at poolside or near water.
• Apply sunblock thoroughly and often, especially after swimming 

For more information about Recreational Water Illness Prevention and Healthy Swimming, call
303-271-5700.

Information can also be found on the Centers for Disease Control web site at: www.cdc.gov/healthyswimming