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Healthy and Safe Swimming in Maryland
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Healthy and safe swimming:
Swimming can be a fun way to get the exercise everyone needs. While at the beach or pool, it is important to take steps to stay healthy and safe.
Safe Swimming:
Learn more about how to prevent drowning
Be safe from the harmful effects of the sun
Illness Prevention for Swimmers:
Help keep germs that cause diarrhea out of the water
Facts about “Hot tub rash (Pseudomonas dermatitis/folliculitis)
Preventing swimmer’s ear
Naegleria fowleri and Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis fact sheet (rare brain infection caused by ameba)
Swimming in Natural Waters Such as Beaches, Lakes, Rivers and Ponds:
See tips for staying healthy while swimming, and check out Maryland's Healthy BeachesProgram before you go
Harmful Algal Blooms (HABS)- a hazard for people and pets
Vibrio- Bacteria in the Bay and its tributaries that can cause serious infections
Carbon monoxide poisoning prevention of and around boats
Resources:
Owners and operators of pools and spas
Public health professionals
Drinking water general information and associated illnesses, including Legionnaires' disease
Quick References:
Maryland’s Healthy Beaches Program- Check out local beach conditions
Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Tide Finder
N
ew
s and Notices:
Celebrate Healthy and Safe Swimming Week, May 24-30, 2021!
Important Phone numbers:
Maryland Environmental Health Line
(866) 703-3266
Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Police
general emergency response
(410) 260-8888
Maryland Department of the Environment
environmental emergency line (866)-633-4686
Report harmful algae blooms to
Maryland DNR
at (410) 260-8630 or (877) 224-7229 or to
Maryland Department of the Environment
at (866)-633-4686
Report suspected water related illness in a person or animal to MDH at (866) 703-3266 or to your
Local Health Department