COLUMBUS, OH - With the long July 4th holiday weekend just days away, Ohio State Parks remind adult visitors to keep an eye on children in their charge when they’re at a park beach or pool. This is the central message of SwimSafe!, a beach safety program employed by the park system since 2000

“Our SwimSafe! program is a reminder that in addition to packing lotions, beach toys and snacks, parents and adult guardians should take a high level of awareness along on any outing to the beach,” said Dan West, chief of Ohio State Parks.

The SwimSafe! message is now found on banners and posters throughout the parks, reminding adult visitors to take responsibility for themselves and the children in their care while visiting the beach.

Ohio State Parks offer these tips for a safe and enjoyable beach outing:

• Use good sense and keep a sharp eye on young children while they are in the water;
• Lakes are not pools, the water is murky and you may not see where it becomes deeper, so exercise caution;Bring a cell phone to make an emergency call if necessary. Check to see if the phone works in that location;
• Swim only in designated areas at the beach and lake;
• Use the buddy system and designate one member of your party to remain on the beach to keep watch on the others while they are swimming;
• Enjoy the fun that water offers, but take regular breaks and relax on the beach;
• Alcohol and swimming do not mix. Leave these beverages at home when you come to the beach;
• It can’t be said enough, keep an eye on the kids!

Ohio State Parks offer 80 beaches on 47 inland lakes in addition to 9 beaches on Lake Erie. There are also 17 pools within the state park system. Last year, more than 4.3 million people visited state park beaches and pools across Ohio.