Community Corner

As the Heat Rises, Splash Safely

Swimming safety tips from the DuPage Health Department.

Few things sound better on a steamy day than a nice cool dip in a pool. But a fun day in the water can quickly turn scary if you’re not paying attention.

It seems obvious, but the DuPage Health Department’s most basic tip for safe swimming is also the most important: Keep a close eye on your kids when they’re in the water. Even in a public pool with a lifeguard, it never hurts to have another set of eyes on your kids, especially if it’s crowded.

Swimming lessons are another important safety precaution, the health department says. Whether your child accidentally slips into the water or finds himself literally in over his head, lessons will teach him what he needs to know to stay afloat.

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Steer clear of drains. The powerful suction can even trap someone as large as an adult underwater, the health department says. Stay out of the pool completely if the drain cover is broken.

In the “I don’t even want to think about it” files, the health department urges people to stay out of pools if they have diarrhea because germs can spread and infect other swimmers. Avoid changing babies near the pool for the same reason. And this will probably be obvious after reading the previous sentences, but for goodness sake, try not to swallow any water.

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Moving on. 

Do everyone a favor by rinsing off in a shower before getting into the pool, the health department says. Those signs at the pool are there for a reason: Clean water is fun water!


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