With high temperatures around 100 degrees lately, we're definitely in the dog days of summer. Here are some tips from Johnson County Department of Health and Environment for healthy swimming.

Even properly treated pool water can spread germs. Chemicals don't work right away, so waste, body fluids and dirt can use up the chemicals germ-killing power. 

Follow these easy steps to help keep germs out of the water and stay healthy:

• Stay out of the water if you have diarrhea.
• Shower before you get in the water.
• Don't go to the bathroom in the water.
• Don't swallow the water.

Every hour—everyone out!

• Take kids on bathroom breaks.
• Check diapers and change them in a bathroom or diaper-changing area—not poolside—to keep germs away from the pool.
• Reapply sunscreen.
• Drink plenty of fluids.

Click here for a flyer from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and  Johnson County Department of Health and Environment with these steps for healthy swimming, which can be posted at community pools to help keep them germ-free.