MCHD shares swim safety message for visitors to Mobile County 5-22-26

May 22, 2026

MCHD shares swim safety message for visitors to Mobile County

MOBILE, Ala. — As visitors travel to Mobile County to enjoy pools, splash pads, beaches, and other recreational water destinations, the Mobile County Health Department is encouraging everyone to make healthy swimming habits part of their visit. Recreational water is for play, not for drinking, and swallowing water during swimming or water play can increase the risk of illness.

Popular local destinations such as Dauphin Island and Bayfront Park attract residents and visitors throughout the warmer months. MCHD is reminding guests and local families alike to avoid getting recreational water in their mouths and to keep children from swallowing pool, splash pad, lake, bay, or beach water.

“We are proud to welcome visitors to Mobile County and want them to enjoy a safe and healthy experience while spending time in and around the water,” said Dr. Kevin Michaels, Health Officer for Mobile County. “Whether you are visiting one of our beaches, a hotel pool, a splash pad, or another recreational water site, it is important to remember that this water is not safe to drink, and swallowing it can lead to illness.”

MCHD also urges visitors to stay out of recreational water if they have a fresh tattoo or any cut, scrape, or wound that has not fully healed. Open skin can make it easier for bacteria to enter the body and increase the risk of infection.

To stay safer while visiting Mobile County, MCHD encourages everyone to:
• Avoid swallowing water from pools, splash pads, beaches, bays, lakes, or other recreational water sites.
• Supervise children closely and remind them to keep water out of their mouths.
• Stay out of the water if sick with diarrhea.
• Wait until tattoos and wounds are fully healed before swimming.
• Shower before entering the water and wash hands before eating.

A few simple precautions can help visitors and residents enjoy Mobile County’s water attractions more safely this season. For more information about healthy swimming, visit CDC Healthy Swimming. A list of aquatic activities sponsored by the City of Mobile’s Parks and Recreation Department can be found at https://www.cityofmobile.gov/parks-rec/aquatics.