Safe Swimming This Summer (Can You Say That Four Times Fast?)

You don’t have to try too hard to get people into the water during summer. But swimming the healthy and safe way? Well, everyone could use help on that.

Whether you are a swimmer, lifeguard, pool attendant or sun-loving spectator, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention‘s Healthy Swimming iPhone/iPad app is for you. With a simple click or two, find the most accurate information about:

• Where we swim: Pool or ocean? Lake or river? (A fun infographic reminds you why you shouldn’t drink any of the recycled water from splash fountains and spray parks.)
• What’s in the water? (Oh boy. You’ll want to find out how to check the water quality of your favorite lake or beach.)
• Tips on how to stay healthy and safe in a variety of swimming scenarios and weather conditions, including during excessive heat.
• The benefits of swimming. (the obvious and not-so-obvious)

**What lurks beneath…

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So, you’ve downloaded the CDC app and you’re ready to go. But have lingering memories of “Jaws” and “Sharknado” made you timid about taking a dip in the ocean? Shark attacks on humans are rare, regardless of the sensational headlines or great entertainment they make. You may be more likely to encounter a shark at the end of your fishing rod! In the Atlantic, you might just haul in a shortfin mako. Help conserve these majestic creatures by releasing it back to the ocean and documenting its location—straight from the boat. NOAA Fisheries Service shark experts created the Release Mako smartphone app to help you do that (it’s available on iOS and Android—see our blog post. Join other conservation-minded anglers in this cause and see the results on an interactive map.Ready to dive in? Remember: You can download all the latest government mobile apps from the USA.gov Apps Gallery.