With Memorial Day weekend just around the corner, outdoor pools will be open to the public. But before you dive in, here are some tips to keep you safe.
GREENSBORO, N.C. — Memorial Day weekend is just around the corner, and unsurprisingly, it's a popular opening day for most outdoor pools.
But before you rush into the pool, there are a few things you should review.
“Parents need to make sure they're responsible for watching their kids. Yes, there are lifeguards out there, but you can't rely on lifeguards only watching your kids.” Heather West said.
Heather West is a Red Cross Certified Swim Instructor and has been working in the water since she was a child.
“When I was a lifeguard in the '70s, parents would take their kids out of the pool, the kids would be there for six or seven hours, and the lifeguards would babysit from ages 9 to 16. “I was doing it,” West said.
Lifeguards are important to pool safety, but parents and guardians must always be vigilant.
“If your child doesn't know how to swim, sign them up for swimming lessons. However, if you take your child to the pool and the child is not a good swimmer, it may be a good idea for parents to take some lessons. I recommend it,” West said.
The CDC has announced that drowning is the number one cause of death for children ages 1 to 4. Furthermore, 55% of US adults have never taken swimming lessons.
“One of the leading causes of death for children is drowning, and learning to swim at an early age can prevent drowning. And the same goes for parents who are poor swimmers. Take lessons at your local Wise. I do, and I know many outdoor facilities offer swimming lessons.”
So before you take the plunge and hit the pool this Memorial Day weekend, be sure to always use caution, whether it's your first time or your 1,000th time.
