Healthy Swimming/Recreational Water

Related Pages
Healthy & Safe Swimming Week: May 23-29, 2022

Swimming and other water-based activities are fun and healthy ways to be physically active. However, like any physical activity, there are potential risks involved. CDC’s Healthy Swimming website provides information on how to have healthy and safe swimming experiences that maximize the benefits of swimming while minimizing the risk of illness and injury.

Diarrhea and Swimming
Multi-ethnic children on swim team in pool

Follow the steps for healthy swimming to protect yourself and those you care about from germs when you swim.

Dead Animals in Pools
A cute shot from the side of a male mallard duck walking on the ground

Some animals carry germs that can contaminate pool water. Learn how to clean the pool if you find an animal in the water.

Splash Pads
Summer Afternoon At The Splash Pad

Having fun in splash pads means following a few simple steps—like not swallowing the water—to help stop germs from spreading.

Hot Tubs
Spa Woman

Relaxing and enjoying hot tubs means following a few simple steps to make sure you stay healthy and safe when you use them.

swimmer solid icon

Swimmers

virus solid icon
Swimming-related Illnesses
clipboard list check solid icon
Aquatics Professionals
swimming pool solid icon
Pools and Hot Tubs at Home
vial solid icon
Public Health Professionals
paw solid icon
Animals and Pools
medical icon
Medical Professionals
book open icon
Publications, Data and Statistics
Communication Materials
Make a Healthy Splash

Use CDC materials to raise awareness and prevent illness:

Get Materials
email_03Get Email Updates

To receive updates highlighting our recent work to prevent infectious disease, enter your email address:

What's this?

Additional Resources
Healthy Water Sites
Page last reviewed: April 28, 2022
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention