ADPH observes Healthy and Safe Swimming Week 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: DeJuana Grant, M.S.P.H., (334) 206-5971

The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) is taking part within the annual Healthy and Safe Swimming Week, May 18-24, 2026, an initiative of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The purpose of this week is to maximise the well being advantages of swimming by selling secure, wholesome water actions. Each of us performs a task in stopping sicknesses and accidents linked to the water we share and swim on this summer season and year-round. This yr’s theme is “Don’t Let Diarrhea Sink the Fun This Summer!”. 

Germs within the water could make individuals sick in the event that they swallow only a mouthful of contaminated water. Although most germs are killed inside minutes by chlorine or bromine on the advisable ranges, the germ Cryptosporidium (or Crypto) can survive in correctly handled water for greater than seven days.

Take the next steps each time you benefit from the water to maintain your self and others secure from germs.

• Did you recognize that swallowing even a small quantity of water contaminated with diarrhea germs could make you sick for as much as three weeks? Don’t swallow water on the pool or splash pad.
• Don’t swim or let your children swim if they’re sick with diarrhea. One individual with diarrhea can contaminate all the pool and make others sick.
• Sweat and dust in your physique can deplete the chlorine wanted to kill germs within the pool. Showering earlier than entering into the pool raises chlorine ranges, serving to preserve you and people you care about wholesome.
• Going for a swim with children? Take a break each hour to make use of the toilet or test diapers. Change diapers away from water so that you don’t get germs in it.
• Stay out of splash pads if you’re sick with diarrhea. Jets can rinse away germs in fecal matter, and swallowing the water containing these germs could make you sick. Chlorine does not kill germs immediately.

Additionally, drownings are the main reason behind harm or dying for younger youngsters ages 1 to 4. Parents can play a key function in defending the kids they love from drowning by:

• Making positive to look at youngsters and pets whereas they’re within the pool.
• Fencing off the pool when not in use.
• Ensuring children put on life jackets in and round pure our bodies of water, resembling lakes or the ocean, even when they know how one can swim.

For extra data on Healthy and Safe Swimming Week, or for basic wholesome swimming pointers, visit the CDC. 

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5/14/26

County well being departments all through Alabama present a variety of confidential {and professional} providers. Contact your native county well being division for extra data.

Mission: To promote, defend, and enhance Alabama’s well being

Vision: Healthy People. Healthy Communities. Healthy Alabama.