Water from swimming pools to playing in puddles can seem to be a great way to stay cool during these hot summer months. But there can also be dangers and risk for infections with these cooling off activities.

Casey Roth knows to stay away from puddles. "I love water but my Mom said never to go in puddles."

Pediatrician Emilio Del Valle explains that a puddle or pool of standing water, while enticing for children to play in, can be full of unhealthy bacteria. "We have had children in the past in this area that have had parasites in their brain, and they have died unfortunately from a puddle of water from rain, and getting parasites."

Dr. Del Valle says that puddles are not good for children to play in. A splash in the face - especially the nose- can be dangerous. One particular danger in the summer months when the temperature is above 80 ° and the water is warm is naegleria. "It's a parasite that goes through your nose from puddle water and then they get encephalitis and unfortunately by the time you find out what parasite it is, it's too late."

It's not just puddles that can cause you to get sick. Also be aware that you need healthy swimming behaviors to protect you and your kids from recreational water illnesses, from swimmers ear to germs that can cause diarrhea.

According to the Center for Disease Control, the rate of water illnesses has more than doubled in the past 10 years. You can log on to www.cdc.gov for more swimming safety guidelines.