During the warm weather, many people will be heading to the beach, pool or lake. In an effort to save lives, the American Red Cross is strongly urging you to be prepared in, on and around the water.
Following these simple water-related safety tips may help reduce the number of drownings and injuries that may occur throughout the summer.
Remember these simple tips for a great way to cool down in the water:
• Learn to swim and swim well.
• Never leave small children unattended near water – not even the bathtub – not even for a moment. Adults should practice “reach supervision,” which means to always be within arm’s length when a child is near water in case of emergency.
• Keep lifesaving gear handy. Always have on hand a lifejacket, rope, pole or other object that can be thrown to a person in trouble. Remember to have a first aid kit, cordless phone and emergency contact information by the pool.
• Know when it’s too dangerous. If you, or someone you are swimming with, appear to be too cold, too far from safety, been exposed to too much sun, or had too much strenuous activity, it is time to head for shore or signal for help. Always wear a life jacket or vest when swimming or boating in lakes and rivers.
• Eliminate temptation. Backyard pools should have self-closing, self-latching gates that remain locked when the pool is not being used. Kiddie pools should be emptied and toys removed immediately after use. Empty water pails and buckets so small children cannot fall in and drown.
• Know what you’re getting into. Check local tides, current and other condition which could be dangerous before entering open bodies of water.
• Alcohol and water does not mix. Never drink alcohol while swimming or boating.
For First Aid and CPR classes in King County, call (206) 726-3534 or visit www.seattleredcross.org. Call your local pool for information about swimming classes. The Redmond Pool is temporarily closed as the city seeks to find a new pool operator and continues on a repair project.
The following is a list of other pools in the area. In addition to these pools, Idylwood Beach Park has a swimming beach with lifeguards on duty, now through Sept. 6, from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Peter Kirk Pool, 340 Kirkland Ave., Kirkland. Swim lessons, (425) 587-3330; pool hotline (425) 587-3335.
• Bellevue Aquatic Center, 601 143 Ave. NE, Bellevue; (425) 452-4444.
• Mary Wayte Pool, 8815 SE 40th St., Mercer Island; (206) 296-4370.
• City of Issaquah, 50 SE Clark St., Issaquah; (425) 837-3350.
• King County Aquatic Center (Weyerhauser), 650 SW Campus Drive, Federal Way; (253) 927-5173.
• Cottage Lake Pool, 18831 NE Woodinville-Duvall Rd., Woodinville; (425) 485-9797 (managed by the Northshore YMCA)
