12 Tips for Water Safety in Arlington

ARLINGTON, MA—Summer is here, and that means Arlington residents will take to pools and ponds to cool off.

It's important to always be safe around the water, and the Arlington Police Department provided some tips to help keep you and your family safe while around water. Particularly around Arlington Reservoir Beach and Spy Pond, to be safe in the water

"We want our residents to be able to enjoy their summer, but to stay safe while doing so," Chief Frederick Ryan said. "To prevent accidents and injuries, residents should use caution when swimming or boating. Parents, please keep an extra eye on children when they are in or around water." 

Police offered tips outlined by the American Canoe Association to help residents stay safe while Canoeing and Kayaking on Spy Pond. 

 Children under the age of 12 must wear a life jacket in a public body of water at all times. 

1. Be a competent swimmer with the ability to handle oneself underwater, moving water, surf or current. 
2. Keep the craft under control. Do not enter a rapid unless you are reasonably sure you can navigate it or swim the entire rapid in case you capsize. 
3. Keep a lookout for hazards and avoid them. 
4. Watch for fog, especially on coastal waters. 
5. Know your emotional and physical limitations. 
6. Group members need to constantly assess the behavior of others in their group. 

Police also referenced tips from the American Red Cross for those residents

1. Per Massachusetts law, have at least a 4-foot-high barrier that encloses the pool and an access gate that self-closes, locks, and opens outward from the swimming area (even if you do not have children).
2. Fasten a safety cover over the pool when it is not in use, and remove ladders to further prevent access into the pool. For added safety, install a pool alarm that will sound if anyone enters the water.
3. Never leave children unattended while they are near or in 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 floats.
4. Make sure children stay away from pool drains, pipes, or any other openings to avoid getting trapped or hurt. If a child is missing, always check the pool first.
5. Set safety instructions and share them with family, friends, neighbors, or 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.
6. Take a CPR course for adults and children to be prepared if an emergency situation occurs. Update skills regularly.

Patch File Photo