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Public Bathing Places

Swimming, one of the most popular activities in the country, is a fun, active, and healthy way to spend leisure time. Every year, millions of people visit "recreational water" sites such as swimming pools, water parks, hot tubs, lakes, rivers or the ocean.

Over the past century, the use of modern disinfection systems in pools and environmental improvements in our lakes, rivers, and oceans has improved the quality of recreational water. Despite this, there has been an increase over the past decade in the number of outbreaks of illness associated with swimming.

This website provides information for swimmers, pool operators and public health professionals to improve the swimming experience by raising awareness about the spread of recreational water illnesses (RWIs). Practicing healthy swimming behaviors should reduce the risk of getting ill.

Contact Us

Bureau of Community Health Systems
30 Kline Plaza
Harrisburg, PA 17104
717-787-4366
RA-DHPUBLICBATHINGPL@pa.gov