10 Tips to Keep You and Your Family Safe Around Water in Concord

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

It's important to always be safe around the water, and the Concord Police Department provided some tips to help keep you and your family safe while around water. Particularly around Walden Pond, police urged residents to always wear life jackets when boating.

“Residents should be vigilant when swimming in public and private areas,” Chief Joseph O’Connor said in a statement. “Parents, please take extra caution when children are present to prevent accidents and tragedies. We hope everyone has a safe summer.”

Here are some tips to keep in mind at Walden Pond State Reservation:

1. Follow the direction of the park staff at all times.
2. Practice sun safety: always wear sunscreen, seek shaded areas and protect your skin from direct sun exposure.
3. Drinking or possessing alcohol is prohibited.
4. Open fires and grilling are not allowed on the premises.

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.