The Osceola County Environmental Health Office will provide a free Swimming Pool Safety Class Thursday. The class is open to anyone interested in learning maintenance and pool safety skills.

The six-hour class will introduce topics such as pool chemistry and safety, diseases associated with pools and spas, common pool problems, and updates on Florida codes and ADA guidelines for swimming pools.

The class will be from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Osceola County Extension Services, Osceola Heritage Park, 1921 Kissimmee Valley Lane, Kissimmee.

Proper pool maintenance is required to prevent the spread of recreational water illnesses (RWI). According to the Centers for Disease Control, RWIs can be caused by germs spread by swallowing and having contact with, or breathing in the mists of contaminated water in swimming pools, hot tubs, water parks, water play areas, interactive fountains, lakes, rivers, or oceans. RWIs can also be caused by chemicals in the water or chemicals that evaporate from the water and cause indoor air quality problems.

For additional information or to register for the Swimming Pool Safety Class, call 407-742-8606 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .