SUMMER IS OFFICIALLY HERE!

School is out, the pools are open, and camps have begun. Are you ready for some summer fun? Our story for "Picture of the Week" discusses some important safety tips for the pool. So read on, and share this information with your friends and family. Have a safe and happy summer!

POOL SAFETY TIPS:

• Stay away from the pool unless you are swimming and are supervised by an adult.
• Do not run around the pool.
• Only dive or jump into the pool at the designated areas. This is important because diving or jumping into shallow water can cause serious injuries. Also, be sure that there is only one person on the diving board at a time.
• Stay out of the pool during lightning and thunderstorms.
• Kids, stay clear of the pool filter as it functions like a suction cup and may make it difficult for you to resurface.
• Do not swim if you are tired.
• Never pretend to be drowning!
• Regularly check the latches on your pool gate to be sure that they secure properly.
• Keep CD players and other electrical devices away from the pool or wet surfaces.
• Hang emergency numbers in the pool area for quick access in case of an emergency. Also, have a phone near the pool area.
• Keep some lifesaving equipment in your pool area. This equipment could be a rope, life preserver, or a pole. Hang them from the fence so people don't trip on them.
• Above all else, listen to your parents and the lifeguards on duty; they know what is best!

What is your favorite game to play in the pool? Click on the link at the bottom of this page to tell us what you think. Will the winning game be marco polo, water volleyball, or some other creative game? Our readers' vote for most popular game will be posted mid-way through the summer.

Also, tell us about how you learned to swim. How old were you? Who taught you? We'd love to hear your story, so write and let us know.

Click here to return to top of page

Click here to tell us what you think about this story!