Tips to keep kids safe while swimming

HENDRICKS COUNTY, Ind. (WISH) — Memorial Day is just around the corner and that means public swimming pools will be opened for the season.

The Hendricks County Health Department shared a few simple things to remember to make swimming a healthy and safe activity.

• Wash hands with soap and water after using the bathroom or changing a diaper and before eating
• Always shower or bathe before swimming
• Don’t allow someone who has or had diarrhea in the last two weeks swim
• Don’t swallow pool water.
• Make frequent trips to the bathroom, especially if swimming with young children
• Never change a diaper poolside
• Don’t allow dogs and other animals to swim in pools with humans or in water that will later be used by humans
• Never leave a child unattended around a pool or spa
• Don’t breastfeed in pools or spas as babies risk swallowing the water
• Children who cannot swim should wear a lifejacket in and around pools and spas
• Don’t swim in pools or spas that are closed, have a foul odor, or are too cloudy to see the bottom

Hendricks County Health Department can provide information sheets, brochures and presentations on pool safety to pool operators and the public.

For more information on pool inspections and programming in Hendricks County, contact the Hendricks County Health Department Environmental Health Division at (317) 745-9217.