Pool time...

And oldie and a goodie…

Would you believe that when I cleaned my closet this last week, I found my hiking shoes and hiking boots? I guess this means I need to get hiking. Now, I feel it’s too hot to hike. The temperature is better suited for swimming.

Pool or lake anyone?

I know I have talked about swimming before, but today’s post will focus on safety and etiquette at a private or public pool and at a lake.

Lake/River swimming:

1.    Establish rules for safe swimming and let all in your party know them

2.   Make sure you are aware of the environment and current

3.   Swim where you are most comfortable due to your swimming ability

4.   Enter feet first from ground level

5.    Swim with a buddy in case of emergency (Red Cross)

Pool swimming:

1.    Don’t leave children unattended

2.   Do a head count before entering the pool and every-so-often recount to make sure everyone is above water

3.   Keep a first aid kit and flotation device nearby in case of emergency

4.   For adults, always swim sober

5.    When in the water help out inexperienced swimmers

Now a public pool is different because there are others you may not know using it, a lifeguard and pool rules. First and foremost, adhere to the rules and listen to the lifeguard.  Second, keep watch of young children.  A few other things, don’t splash, stick to you lane if your swimming laps, make sure your kids are in the kiddie area if there is one and don’t pee in the pool (there are bathrooms for this.) (Plunge San Diego)

Beyond safety, you want to make sure that wherever you swim you have on the appropriate swim gear, shoes and have a towel. And as written about in a previous blog post, don’t forget the snacks and drinks.

Now if you’re not near a pool or a lake, check out if any local parks have sprinklers going, set up a sprinkler or kiddie pool in your backyard or simply plan a day trip to get in some water time. Beach anyone?