STONEHAM — Chief Matthew Grafton and the Stoneham Fire Department wish to share pool and swimming safety tips with residents this summer season.
“Now that the warm weather is here, swimming season is in full swing,” Chief Grafton said. “We want residents to safely enjoy swimming, so please remember to swim sober, never go alone and keep a close eye on children.”
Chief Grafton would like to share the following swim safety tips from the American Red Cross:
- Never swim alone.
- Always make sure children are supervised by an adult while swimming.
- Make sure anyone supervising swimming children is paying attention and is not distracted by an electronic devise, book, etc.
- Swim in locations that are staffed by lifeguards.
- Wear and re-apply sunscreen with a minimum protection factor of 15 SPF. The sun is strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Pool Safety:
Chief Grafton is also urging residents to take heed of several pool safety tips this summer.
- Per Massachusetts regulation, pools should be surrounded by a 4-foot-high barrier that encloses the pool and has an access gate that self-closes, locks and opens outward from the swimming area (even if you don’t have children).
- Fasten a safety cover over the pool when it is not in use, and remove ladders to further prevent access into the pool. Pool alarms are required whenever a house door leads directly to a pool deck.
- Never leave children unattended while they are in or near a pool, and make sure they have an adult to accompany them into the water. Young or inexperienced swimmers should always wear a life jacket or inflatable arm flotation devices.
- Make sure children stay away from pool drains, pipes or any other openings to avoid getting trapped or hurt.
- Set safety instructions and share them with family, friends, neighbors and anyone else who is near or uses the pool. Advise children to stay away from pool deep ends, and to always walk, never run near the pool.
- Keep your pool or hot tub water clean and clear. Maintain proper chemical levels, circulation and filtration. Regularly test and adjust the chemical levels to minimize the risk of earaches, rashes or more serious diseases.
- Never use the pool if the chemical levels are not correct, or if the water is cloudy and you can’t see the bottom.
- Take a CPR course for adults and children to be prepared if an emergency situation occurs. Update skills regularly.
- Watch the local weather reports and do not swim if thunderstorms are in the forecast.
- Avoid using glass containers by the pool. They could break and leave glass around the pool or in the water.
- For a complete listing of Massachusetts building code regulations regarding swimming pools, click here.
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