Child SwimmingIt’s starting to get hot in Arizona, and that means people are heading into the water. Swimming is a great way to put a little play into your day during the summer. However, it is important to be aware that

recreational water illnesses can occur even in water that appears to be clean .

To increase kids’ awareness about recreational water illnesses and ways to prevent them, our Office of Infectious Disease Services holds an annual Healthy Swimming Contest. Arizona children ages 17 years and younger are invited to create a poster depicting healthy swimming and ways to avoid a recreational water illness. These include not swallowing water, not swimming when sick, and taking frequent bathroom breaks.

You can help your kids complete an entry form to include with their poster submission. All posters must be received by July 1, 2016 to be eligible for a prize. We’ve got some fantastic prizes for the contest winners.