Basics of Recreational Water Illnesses (RWIs)
![Two young girls swimming in a home pool.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121007151127im_/http://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/images/swimming/two-girls-in-home-pool.jpg)
Knowing the basic facts about recreational water illnesses (RWIs) can make the difference between an enjoyable time at the pool, beach, or water park, and getting a rash, having diarrhea, or developing other, potentially serious illnesses.
Learn your RWI facts:
- What are recreational water illnesses (RWIs)?
- Where are RWIs found?
- How are RWIs spread?
- Why doesn't chlorine kill RWI germs?
- Who is most likely to get ill from an RWI?
- How can we prevent RWIs?
For more information on recreational water illnesses, including brochures, posters, and educational materials, please see the Resources and Publications page.
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