Summer is right around the corner! The kids are looking forward to long, sunny days spent playing by your Charlottesville apartment pool or floating on a nearby lake. Grab your sunscreen and find your favorite swimsuit – it’s time for summer fun! As you get ready to enjoy the pool this year, brush up on your water safety skills for a safe summer.
Swim lessons are the best way to protect yourself and your children. You can find your local Parks and Recreation resources online to find out where swimming lessons are offered. Get your kids excited about learning how to stay safe when swimming. In the Charlottesville area, check out ACAC for a comprehensive list of classes. Here are a few important safety tips to keep in mind around the pool:
• Children should never be left alone or without supervision near water.
• Always keep a phone handy in case you need to call 911.
• Keep lifesaving equipment near the water and make sure you know how to use it.
• Do not swim at a public pool without the lifeguard present.
• Never dive into the water headfirst unless it is clearly marked for diving.
• Children and inexperienced swimmers should stay out of the water over chest height.
• Dress small children in life jackets around pools or deep water.
• Do not let children run on pool patios or wrestle in the water.
• Never swim if you are tired or if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Never swim during bad weather or storms. Lightning and water can be a deadly combination.
If you like to swim in the lake rather than your apartment pool, keep these tips in mind:
• Never swim by yourself, especially in remote areas.
• Keep an eye on your energy level and make sure that you have the strength to swim back to where you started.
• Do not swim beneath docks, floating rafts, and boats.
• Never jump into the water without looking to avoid landing on another swimmer and causing injury to you both.
• Never dive into water of unknown depth – jump in feet first to avoid spinal injuries if you are not sure how deep the water might be.
• Do not swim in dirty or polluted water, even if it is marked as safe for swimming. A smelly, littered beach or dock is a sign that you should not swim.
• Rivers and lakes can have strong, dangerous undercurrents. Stay within the designated swimming areas at all times.
Grab your towel and head to the apartment pool! Knowing how to stay safe will ensure that you can enjoy a long, lazy summer by the water.
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