Stay cool in the pool with these safety tips

DUPAGE COUNTY—The DuPage County Health Departments reminds residents that there are some very simple safety tips they could follow to ensure their days in the sun are both fun and safe.

Swimming is among the most popular sports activities in the United States and enjoyed by DuPage County families throughout the year, either outdoors or at an indoor water park.

Follow these simple steps from the Health Department to safeguard all swimmers:

• Teach your children how to swim. Parents should learn CPR and other life-saving skills so they can help in the event of an emergency.

• Parents should watch children every minute they are in the water.

• Avoid entrapments. Suction from a pool or spa drain can be so powerful that it can trap a child or adult underwater. Do not use a pool or spa if there are broken or missing drain covers. Ask your pool operator if your pool or spa drains are compliant with Federal Pool and Spa Safety Regulations.

• Please don't swim when you have diarrhea. You can spread germs into the water and make other people sick. Parents should take their children to the bathroom often while at the swimming pool. Don't change diapers at poolside. Germs can spread to surfaces and objects around the pool and spread illnesses.

• Don't swallow swimming pool water. Try your best to avoid getting pool water in your mouth.

• You can protect others by being aware that germs on your body end up in the water. Make sure children bathe and are clean before entering the pool.

For more information on the DuPage County Health Department, follow us on Twitter @DuPageHD or become a fan on Facebook.