Health and Safety Tips

Here are some tips to prevent water-related illnesses and stay healthy.
 

Before you get in the water


  • Avoid getting in the water during heavy rainfall and for approximately three days afterwards.
  • Avoid getting in the water if you are sick or have open cuts, scrapes, or wounds.
  • Shower with soap and warm water. 
  • Look for signs of poor water quality, such as dead fish, trash, and oil slicks or scum on or near the water. 
  • Bring hand sanitizer or soap and clean water for washing your hands.
stream

While you’re in the water


  • Don’t pee or poop in the water.
  • Don’t swallow the water.
  • Avoid getting water up your nose, especially in warm freshwater.
  • Take kids on bathroom breaks. Waiting to hear “I have to go” may mean that it’s already too late.
  • Check and change diapers in a bathroom or diaper-changing area away from the water.
 

After you get out of the water


  • Wash your hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer.
  • Immediately clean and treat cuts or wounds.
  • Shower with soap and warm water as soon as you can.

Other Tips


  • Check the weather forecast for thunderstorms, flooding, and other potentially dangerous conditions.
  • Always supervise children near water.
  • Use life jackets and other floatation devices.
  • Wear sunscreen and reapply approximately every two hours, and after swimming or sweating.
  • Drink plenty of fluids. 
  • Wash your hands with soap and warm water before eating and after using the bathroom.