Stay safe while keeping cool this summer

Each year as summer approaches, reminders are issued about how to stay safe around the water, among other potentially dangerous activities that are popular in warm weather.

High on the list in this region is an admonition to swim only in places where it’s safe to do so, such as pools and public parks with lifeguards on duty. Bodies of water such as the Schuylkill River or Chester Creek are far too dangerous for swimming or bathing and must be avoided.

The need to deliver this message is more urgent than ever this year because area pools are either closed for the summer or opening later than usual due to the coronavirus pandemic.

It’s understandable that people will want to escape summer’s sweltering heat by taking a dip in a nearby body of water. Nevertheless, it remains a terrible idea.

People who enter the water are at serious risk of drowning due to its strong currents and unpredictable depths. It’s dangerous even for skilled swimmers. And the absence of lifeguards means there’s no one to help if something goes wrong. When people go out looking for someone who went into the river and didn’t come back, it’s all but certain to be too late.

Officials acknowledge the obvious danger, where there’s a history of people swimming in the river in defiance of warnings, and where some pools will not be open this summer.

We support calls for officials to work out a plan with county emergency officials and other municipalities to reduce the risks. It’s going to be challenging. In the meantime, we’re glad to know that police are planning on keeping a close eye on activities along the waterfront.

One hope is that least some safe water recreation options will be available at least at some point this summer. Right now pools at state parks are to be closed until at least June 12. Their reopening is the best hope for people who don’t belong to private pools that still are planning to open.

Of course decisions on this must be made based on the best medical information available. It’s just another of the many unfortunate situations brought about by the coronavirus.

There’s no doubt that restrictions on activity are going to make this summer a struggle, especially for families with children. But failure to follow sensible advice on water safety could be disastrous

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is a leading cause of unintentional fatal injury leading to death among young children.

While a pool is a far safer option than a wild body of water, it’s best to take precautions there as well.

The CDC offers the following safety tips for pools:

• Shower at least a minute before going into the water.

• Check a pool’s latest safety inspection score.

• Use test strips to check the disinfectant level and pH before getting in.

For more on this topic, visit bit.ly/SwimSafetyCDC.

It’s also wise to guard against heat-related illnesses, which kill hundreds in the U.S. each year, according to the CDC. The following groups are at particular risk:

• Those under 4 and over 65 years old.

• Anyone with a pre-existing medical condition.

• People living in homes without air conditioning.

The three keys to remaining safe in the heat are staying cool, hydrated and informed. Stay inside during the hottest part of the day, wear cool clothing, drink plenty of liquids and mind heat advisories. Apply sunscreen even on cloudy days, and wear hats, sunglasses and long sleeves.

Be sure to have fun during this unusual summer, but keep safety in mind.