ALEXANDRIA, VA – With the oncoming warm weather, swimming enthusiasts from Old Town to Landmark are jumping into the pool and kicking the city’s swim season into full gear: Pools officially opened on May 24, and ACPS’s last school day is June 12.
With this in mind, the Alexandria Health Department put out a press release urging residents to be cautious of heat, germs, and other dangers in the water. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children one to four years old. It is the leading cause of unintentional injury death for children as old as 14, according to the CDC. Meanwhile, nasty germs and the sun’s intense heat can pose dangers for swimmers of all ages.
Following the steps below can help each swimmer walk away from a trip to the pool alive and healthy:
Intense Heat
Temperature highs throughout the summer in Alexandria never go below 80 degrees and sometimes top out in the triple digits. With this in mind, make sure to stay in the shade as much as possible. Remain indoors if you can.
Many of the city’s indoor pools are great for a nice time at the pool without the dangers of the sun.
If spending time outside, make sure to listen to local weather stations for safety updates.
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Never spend too much time in the sun, and try to limit outside time outside the mid-day to the morning or late afternoon.
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Try to wear loose-fitting, lightly colored clothing alongside sunglasses and hats.
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Reapply sunscreen every two hours as well as after getting out of the pool and toweling off.
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Remember to stay hydrated! “Drink more water than usual,” the Health department recommends, “and don’t wait to be thirsty to drink.”
Meanwhile, make sure to look out for signs of heat stroke. If you see someone not sweating, dizzy, nauseous, confused, or with a headache in the extreme heat, call 911 immediately and cool them down any way you can. Do NOT give them anything to drink.
Remember, your pets can experience heat exhaustion just as much as you! Always check on them and make sure to give them plenty of water.
Lastly, pay especial attention to those especially vulnerable to heat exhaustion, such as infants, seniors, people with medical conditions, and overweight people. Never leave them in a parked car – even if the windows are cracked or for a short period.
Germs & Biohazards
Although chlorine is present in most pools to fight off harmful bacteria, it takes time to work, and some bacteria can live in chlorinated water for days on end. Much of it can cause illnesses if ingested, so teach your children never to swallow pool water.
For your poolmates’ sake, try to avoid spreading your own germs in the pool water as well. Always shower before and after diving in the pool to avoid contaminating the water or yourself with nasty germs. (According to a 2012 study, almost 70% of people don’t shower at all before swimming.)
Lastly, while it may seem like common sense, never go into the pool if you have a cut or wound, are feeling sick, or have had diarrhea for the past 48 hours. Avoid changing diapers even near the pool. Instead, opt for a designated diaper-changing area.
Drowning
People of all ages can drown, so it’s best to learn to swim if you plan to enjoy the water this summer. However, you don’t need to drive far to take swimming lessons. You can learn from trained professionals in Alexandria through the city’s recreation department, or find local swim lessons via the Red Cross.
Those who don’t know how to swim should have supervision at all times, which means putting away your phone and any other distractions. Equip all young swimmers with life jackets or other flotation devices. Always be prepared to call 911.
Lastly, consider using the buddy system. Having a dedicated buddy watch out for a child while he or she swims can be life-saving if parents are distracted. However, even teens and adults should never be swimming alone, according to Health Department Communications Manager Eve Elliot.
With these tips, you can be sure to have fun at the pool. If you have any health concerns about a particular pool or aquatic facility, please report it to the Health Department at 703-746-4910 or using Alex311.
More information about safety at the pool, the beach or the lake is available at the Virginia Department of Health’s Swim Healthy Virginia website.
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