Editorial
Memorial Day weekend is when we honor and remember military personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country. It also represents the unofficial beginning of summer, or at least the start of summer break for area school children and local college students.
This past weekend also ushered in the summer swimming season, with most area public swimming pools open for the first time this year. These include the ones at Glen Maury Park in Buena Vista, Brewbaker Field in Lexington, Lake Robertson and Blue Ridge Recreation Area in Fairfield. Some folks may have found their favorite swimming spots in the Maury River at Goshen Pass or Ben Salem Wayside, or perhaps Cave Mountain Lake.
Glen Maury Park’s swimming pool is especially inviting this year, having undergone hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of major renovations in the off-season. There are new additions to the pool such as a couple of water slides. The interior of the pool has been resurfaced.
The swimming season locally is actually off to a slow start. Unseasonably cool, damp weather conditions have not made these swimming areas particularly popular thus far. Many among us have been reluctant to submerge ourselves into the chilly waters. That is expected to change shortly when the temperatures rise and we’re actually nearer to the summer solstice.
As befits the season, the Central Shenandoah Health District office has shared tips for how everyone can swim safely this summer. The CSHD reminds us that not all bodies of water are regulated or monitored. This includes lakes, ponds, rivers, creeks and pools located on private property.
Never swim alone. The “buddy system” can save lives. Young children in the water should always be closely supervised by an adult. Drowning is the number one cause of death among children ages 1 to 4. Drowning and other harmful outcomes from recreational swimming can easily be prevented.
Be aware of water levels and weather. Storms can cause flash floods. Avoid swimming in lakes, ponds, rivers or other fresh water sources following heavy rains. Rain can wash harmful bacteria, chemicals or foreign objects into the water.
Private lakes, creeks, rivers and ponds are not monitored for harmful algae blooms or bacteria by the health department. Do not swim if a swimming area is closed. It could be closed due to algae blooms or harmful bacteria in the water. Avoid swimming in water that is cloudy, discolored or smells bad. Do not swim if you have an open wound or have recently had diarrhea.
Know your limitations. Carefully consider your swimming skill level before entering the water. If swimming in the ocean and you’re caught in a rip tide, stay calm. Swim parallel to the shore and not towards the beach. Wave or call for help. Do not exhaust yourself. If there is an emergency, call 911. Learn more about rip currents at NOAA.gov.
It’s best to swim in an area monitored by a lifeguard. The risk of drowning decreases significantly on a lifeguarded beach. Young or inexperienced swimmers should wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved lifejackets. Do not swallow water. Water can contain traces of bacteria that can make you sick.
For those who aren’t confident about their swimming ability or who may not know how to swim, it is never too late to learn. We encourage you to sign up for swimming lessons. Swimming is an essential and lifelong skill that can not only save you from drowning but also provide you with beneficial exercise and endless hours of entertainment.
We thank the CSHD for offering these helpful hints and wish everyone a safe and enjoyable swimming season.
