Who doesn’t love jumping in the pool on a hot day? Having access to a pool is a great way to stay cool during the hot summer months, meet up with friends, entertain children, get some exercise, and more! Unfortunately, thousands of swimming accidents and injuries occur every year. It is critical to remember safety and best practices around pools and swimming areas in order to ensure that everyone returns home healthy and happy!
Always Supervise Children:
Even if a lifeguard is on duty, you should always keep an eye on your children while they are in and around the pool. Even for strong swimmers, drowning accidents can occur in as little as 25 seconds! Never allow a child to go to a pool alone, or leave them unattended. If you have a pool at your apartment community, the community rules will require children to be supervised.
Stay Hydrated:
It can be difficult to remember to drink water when you are splashing around in it! Swimming is one of the most strenuous sports, so its important to drink lots of water, especially on hot days. To keep your energy up, reduce cramping, and avoid heat stroke, be sure to stay hydrated while swimming.
Swim Safely:
Use an appropriate personal floatation device if your child cannot swim and don’t rely on toys or noodles for floatation. Frequent rest breaks are a good way to ensure that no one becomes exhausted from swimming for an extended period of time. Swimming lessons give your children confidence in the water and are one of the most effective ways to prevent drowning. Water survival training can begin as early as one year old, and most children are ready for swim lessons by the age of four!
Apply Sunscreen:
Another common mistake is neglecting to apply sunscreen while swimming, because the water can give you the impression that the sun isn’t on your skin. However, UV rays can easily penetrate water, putting you at risk of sunburn and skin cancer. Apply a water-resistant sunscreen and allow it to dry for the recommended amount of time before entering the water. Reapply sunscreen every hour, as it loses effectiveness faster when submerged in water.
Follow The Rules:
If you are visiting a public pool or have access to one at your apartment community, be sure to learn about the rules and regulations. If you are bringing children to the pool, it’s your responsibility to make sure they are aware of the rules and that they follow them. This helps the community in keeping their pool safe, clean, and open for everyone’s enjoyment!
With a little bit of vigilance, everyone can have a fantastic time this summer!
At Windigrove Apartments we are proud to provide a clean and sparkling pool for our residents to enjoy! Our resort style pool is within walking distance of our apartment homes and includes plenty of lounge chairs and café tables with umbrellas to enjoy a perfect summer afternoon. If you are ready to enjoy a beautiful apartment pool and other luxury amenities this summer, contact Windigrove Apartments in Waynesboro today to get started!