BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — When we can't take the heat-- we jump in the pool to get cool.
Swimming is a fun summer activity with many rules that kids and adults need to know before going close to any body of water.
"Drowning is one of those things that is 100-percent preventable," Nick Bond, District Vice President of YMCA Buffalo Niagara, said.
"We just need to make sure that we are paying very close attention to everyone, even adults."
Bon said parents should talk with their kids about these guidelines before they jump in:
- Always ask for permission to swim,
- Never swim alone,
- For the youngest ones make sure they are wearing a U.S. Coast Guard life jacket,
- Designate a water watcher-- active supervision by an adult at all times,
- Lock up the pool once you are done with it and drain out the kiddy pool.
- Reach or throw- don't go, if someone is in distress, throw them something to grab onto rather than jumping in yourself.
The CDC has issued guidelines for pools and other aquatic recreation centers to follow. The government agency say people should still keep their distance but NOT to wear a mask while swimming. Bond says the YMCA is preparing to open sometime this summer, but with fewer people and some different training for lifeguards.
"From what we have seen from the CDC, the water is not a major concern for the transmission of this virus," Bond said.
With their 20-plus pools, the YMCA is waiting to get the word for when they can open up. Things will be different, but we can still have some fun in the water.
