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TextHealthy Swimming & Recreational Water Safety
May 20-26, 2013 is Recreation Water Illness and Injury (RWII) Prevention
Week. The theme this year is How We Swimmers Contaminate
Pools. It focuses on swimmer hygiene and the need for swimmers to
take an active role in helping to protect themselves and prevent the
spread of germs.
Although swimming is a physical activity that offers numerous health benefits, pools and other recreational water venues are also places where germs can be spread and injuries can happen. Recreational water illnesses (RWIs) are caused by germs spread by swallowing, breathing in mists, or having contact with contaminated water in swimming pools, hot tubs/spas, water play areas, interactive fountains, lakes, rivers or oceans.
The Health Department also encourages people to learn about preventing recreational water injuries, such as drowning and slips, trips, and falls, that can occur in or around the water.
Water and Swimming Safety
Learn more from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about Healthy Swimming & Recreational Water Topics. Topics include:
- Pools, hot tubs
- Oceans, lakes, rivers
- Outbreak response toolkits
- Resources & publications
- Injury & skin cancer
- Fact sheets for swimmers & pool operators
Public and Community Pools
The Fairfax County Health Department inspects hundreds of public and community pool facilities annually and issues permits.
- Complaints about pools? Questions? Contact us: Phone: 703-246-2300, TTY: 711
- Submit a compliant about pools online.
For pool owners, managers, and operators:
- Information about the pool code, Operators Certificates, and Water Recreation Facilities Permits in Fairfax County, and the Cities of Fairfax and Falls Church.
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