As the big Fourth of July weekend approaches, the Minnesota Department of Health is giving out some tips on healthy swimming.

They focus on limiting the spread of illnesses through recreational water. Dr. Kirk Smith says germs on and in swimmer's bodies can end up in the water and make others sick.

The department says swimmers shouldn't swallow the water, or let it get into their mouths. People who have had diarrhea in the past two weeks shouldn't go swimming.

Other suggestions include taking children for frequent bathroom breaks, and changing diapers away from poolside or the beach.

From 2000 to 2008, there were several outbreaks of illnesses from recreational swimming. Twenty were in swimming pools and 13 were at beaches.

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