News Healthy Waters, Healthy Swimmers Posted 22 May 2009 With Memorial Day weekend just around the corner, May 18 through 24 has been designated as National Recreational Water Illness (RWI) Week. The Iowa Dept. of Public Health (IDPH) joins in this observance to raise awareness about prevention of illnesses and injuries caused by swallowing, breathing in vapors of, or having contact with contaminated water in swimming pools, water parks, spas, lakes, and rivers. This year's RWI Prevention Week focuses on injuries associated with pool chemicals. "Pool chemicals make the water where we swim safer by protecting us from germs," said Mike Magnant, the IDPH leader for state pool inspections. "These same chemicals can also cause injuries if they're not properly handled." Public pool operators and residential pool owners can protect themselves and swimmers by following these steps:     * Always store pool chemicals in a safe place, away from children and animals.     * Always read the product name and manufacturer's directions before each use.     * Always use appropriate protective gear, including safety glasses and gloves, when handling pool chemicals.     * Never mix chlorine products with each other, acid, or other substances. The best way to prevent RWIs is to keep germs out of the pool in the first place:     * Don't swim when you have diarrhea.     * Don't swallow pool water.     * Shower with soap before swimming and wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers.     * Take your kids on bathroom breaks or check diapers often.     * Change diapers in a bathroom or diaper-changing area - not at poolside. For more information on RWI Prevention Week, visit www.cdc.gov/healthyswimming