TOPEKA -- The Shawnee County Health Agency reminds you of the risks of recreational water illnesses and the steps that can be taken to prevent them. RWIs are sicknesses spread by swallowing, breathing in the vapors of, or having contact with contaminated water. Most water is not contamined with germs that cause illness, but any recreation water source, like pooks, lakes, water parks, rivers and oceans.. are potentially dangerous sources leading to the spread of RWI causing germs.

The most common RWI is diarrhea. Other common ones include skin, ear, respiratory, eye and wound infections. Anyone can get RWI, however children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are most at risk.

Recreational Water Illnesses can be prevented. These six recommended steps can stop germs from causing illness:
* Don't swim when you have diarrhea.
* Don't swallow the water you're swimming in.
* Shower witih soap before going swimming; wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers.
* Take small children on their bathroom breaks, and check their diapers often.
* Change diapers in the bathroom or diaper changing area. Don't change your baby by the pool.
* Wash your children thoroughly with soap and water before going swimming.

When you're swimming in natural waters, like lakes, avoid swimming after a heavy rainstorm or near the storm drains. Beware of any signs of pollution that may indicate disease-causing bacteria are present.