Memorial Day weekend and the start of the summer season is when the Florida Department of Health in Leon County encourages residents and visitors to practice safe swim habits to make the most of their time with loved ones.

This week, May 23-29, is Healthy and Safe Swimming Week, and the Department reminds you that taking simple precautions can help maximize the health benefits and fun of swimming.

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"Recreational water activities are a great way for families to spend quality time together. We can all do our part to ensure that recreational swimming is safe for everyone," said Sandon S. Speedling, MHS, CPM, CPH, DOH Leon Interim Health Officer. "I encourage families to take precautions to ensure the water is safe and that an adult is keeping an eye on inexperienced swimmers."

Water quality is an essential part of enjoying a safe swim. The Department works to keep residents and visitors safe while swimming by conducting routine inspections of public pools to meet sanitation and safety standards.

These reports are available to the public. You can access the latest inspection reports for public pools and water playgrounds near you at floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/beach-water-quality/index.html

The Department's Florida Healthy Beaches program samples water from beaches along the coast and reports water quality every week.

Follow these simple steps for a healthy and safe swim experience:

Swimming is a fun exercise and a great way to get relief from the heat. By following some simple steps, residents and visitors can ensure that the water they are swimming in is safe and that their time with loved ones won't be interrupted by injury or illness.

For more information about the Florida Department of Health, please visit FloridaHealth.gov.

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