Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start to summer in the United States, when many people recreate in the water. Playing in the water is a fun way to stay cool in the heat, but before you dive in, the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) has some information you should absorb.

The first piece of advice is to not drink from outdoor water sources, such as lakes or pools. They may be fun and safe to swim in, but drinking from those bodies of water could lead to diseases such as cryptosporidiosis, giardiasis and shigellosis.

“Many things we commonly do during Wyoming’s warmer months can sometimes cause unpleasant stomach-related symptoms and occasionally serious illness,” says Courtney Tillman, epidemiologist with WDH. “We want Wyoming residents to safely enjoy their favorite summer activities.”

The WDH offers these tips to safely recreate in the water:

• DO stay out of the water if sick with diarrhea.
• DO take kids on bathroom breaks or check diapers every hour. Change diapers away from the water to keep germs from getting in.
• DO dry ears thoroughly with a towel after getting out of the water.
• DO wash hands thoroughly after coming into contact with animals and their habitats, before preparing food and before eating and drinking.

Actions to avoid include:

• DON’T swallow swimming water and avoid getting water in the mouth.
• DON’T poop or pee in swimming water.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also offers some suggestions to stay safe while playing in or near water.

• Check online to find out if a swim area is currently monitored, is under an advisory, or has been closed for health or safety reasons. This is especially important after a heavy rain.
• If your body's ability to fight germs is already affected by other health problems or medicines, check with your healthcare provider before swimming in oceans, lakes, rivers, and other natural bodies of water.

Stay out of the water if:

• Signs warn that the swim area is closed.
  • This may be due to high levels of germs in the water which make it unsafe for swimming.
• The water looks cloudier than usual, is discolored, or smells bad. Cloudy water can be a warning that there are more germs in the water than normal. Discolored or smelly water could indicate there are harmful algal blooms in the water.
• If you go in the water while you have a cut or wound (especially from a surgery or piercing) that is still healing, cover it completely with waterproof bandages.

If we all make responsible decisions about where we swim, we’ll all be able to enjoy playing safely in water.