Swimming Rules
- Always swim with a buddy.
- Swim only in areas that have a lifeguard.
- Stay out of the water when you are very tired, very cold, or overheated.
- Follow all swimming rules posted at the swimming area.
- Obey the lifeguard’s instruction.
- If you can’t see the bottom of the pool in the deep end or the water is cloudy, don’t swim there.
- Avoid swimming at night in unlighted areas.
- Don’t chew gum or eat while swimming, you could choke.
- Do not push, shove, or run near the water, horseplay can be dangerous.
- Get out of the water if you see lightning or hear thunder.
- Swim a safe distance away from diving boards and slides. Never swim under them.
- Never swim near a dam or boat ramp.
- Avoid swimming in river currents.
Rules for Pool Slides
- Slides should be at the deep end of the pools so that the entry is into water least eight feet and away from diving areas.
- Go down feet first in a sitting position. (Going down headfirst is dangerous-you could injure your head, neck, or back.)
Rules for the Beach
- Know where the nearest lifeguard stand is.
- Be sure you know the surf conditions before you enter the water.
- Check for warning flags.
- Observe danger signs.
- Swim well away from piers, pilings, and diving platforms.
- Be on the lookout for dangerous marine life
- If you swim out from shore, remember you have to swim back.
- If you are caught in a current, don’t try to fight it or swim against it. You can make it back to shore by swimming gradually away from it.
- Don’t let any one pressure you into a dangerous stunt.
Rules for Water Park Slides, Flumes and Wave Pools
- Be sure all areas have a lifeguard.
- Position yourself carefully before you start down.
- Don’t get pressured into a stunt.
- In a wave pool be sure you know how deep the water will be when the wave pool is turned on.