What are your favorite summer activities? Do you enjoy bike riding? Do you like to go hiking? How about swimming? While they’re all popular summer activities, swimming may top the list when the hot weather rolls in. 

Swimming is a great way to stay in shape, especially if you need an activity that puts limited stress on your joints. It’s also an awesome way to cool off during the hot summer months. If you’ll be heading to the pool here at Haddon Towne Center or another public pool to exercise or to beat the heat, keep these tips in mind.

Don’t Swim Unattended

This is probably the most crucial rule when it comes to swimming. No one should ever swim unattended – even strong swimmers. If a lifeguard is unavailable, there should always be someone with you while swimming in case something unexpected happens, and help is needed. Children should always be supervised as it only takes an instant for them to get into trouble.

Walk Around the Pool

Most pools have signs posted around the perimeter asking everyone to walk. This is another important safety rule. Often, with multiple people in and out of the pool, the deck can become wet and slippery. Falling is a risk when the pool deck is slippery, and while it can happen when you’re walking, if you’re running your risk increases.

Wear a Life Vest if Needed

If you have a child who is not a strong swimmer, have them wear a life vest. Life vests should be approved by the US Coast Guard in order to ensure safety. Even adults who are not comfortable in the water should be encouraged to wear a personal floatation device. 

Do Not Dive

This is another common sign around pools. In order to avoid injury, do not dive. Diving is in shallow pools is a common cause of neck and back injuries.

No Glass Around the Pool

Please do not bring glass containers to a public pool. If a glass container gets broken around the pool, most likely the pool will have to be drained in order to ensure that there is no glass in the pool. This means no swimming for you and everyone else who uses the pool until the process is complete.

Know CPR

CPR is a life-saving skill and if you have the opportunity – take a CPR class. Your local Red Cross runs regular CPR classes. 

Clean Up After Yourself

When you go to the pool, you probably bring some snacks and drinks, along with towels and sunscreen and whatever else you may need for an enjoyable afternoon. Be sure you clean up your area before leaving. Make sure trash gets thrown away, and you have all of the towels and toys you may have brought with you.

Follow Any Posted Rules

There may be additional rules posted at the pool. Take a moment to read them. They are posted for your safety and the safety of others. 

Be Respectful of Others

Please be respectful of those around you. If you have music, make sure it’s not loud. Avoid shouting and yelling when possible. Keep an eye on your children. All of these things will help to make the pool a pleasant place to hang out.

When it gets hot this summer, head to the pool. Cool off, swim laps or play a game of Marco Polo with your children – because the summer weather won’t be here forever – so enjoy it while it lasts.