Be pool savvy Published June 15, 2009 By Master Sgt. Roderick George 99th Air Base Wing Safety NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- With the official start of the summer kicking off in less than a week and rising temperatures, members of the Nellis community may find themselves cooling off in a swimming pool. But there are plenty of potential poolside hazards, so be informed and stay alert to ensure the safety of your friends and families with the following tips. - Never leave a child unattended in the water or pool area - Don't swim alone or allow others to swim alone; make sure there's somebody nearby who can answer a distress call - Do not consider young children ''drown-proof'' because they have had swimming lessons; they should always be watched carefully while swimming - With backyard swimming pools, make sure that the cover of the pool is completely lifted over the pool; do not partially open the pool - Keep toys away from the pool area; a young child playing with the toys could accidentally fall in the water - For good pool safety, you can make sure that there is always a life-saving flotation device handy near the pool - Avoid drinking alcohol before or during swimming and do not drink alcohol while supervising children - Stay out of the pool during rain storms or during thunder or lightning and move indoors for the duration of a thunderstorm - Unsupervised activity by non-swimmers can become dangerous; don't be afraid to ask if your guests can swim. If they can't, make sure a swimmer is present at all times. - Parents and babysitters should learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
