ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - As the big Fourth of July weekend
approaches, the Minnesota Department of Health is giving out some
tips on healthy swimming.
They focus on limiting the spread of illnesses through
recreational water. Dr. Kirk Smith says germs on and in swimmer's
bodies can end up in the water and make others sick.
The department says swimmers shouldn't swallow the water, or let
it get into their mouths. People who have had diarrhea in the past
two weeks shouldn't go swimming.
Other suggestions include taking children for frequent bathroom
breaks, and changing diapers away from poolside or the beach.
From 2000 to 2008, there were several outbreaks of illnesses
from recreational swimming. Twenty were in swimming pools and 13
were at beaches.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
