Aug 26

news editorWritten by:
8/26/2008 1:00 AM

COLUMBUS, OH - With the upcoming Labor Day holiday upon us, Ohio State Parks remind adult visitors to keep an eye on children in their charge when they go swimming.  This is the focus of SwimSafe!, a beach safety program since 2000, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).

"Safety is an important part of a successful family outing to our state parks," said Dan West, Ohio State Parks chief. "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."

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

To fully enjoy a safe outing at a park beach, follow these tips:

• Use good sense and keep a sharp eye on young children while they are in the water;
• Lakes are not swimming 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 before swimming that 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 10 beaches on Lake Erie.  There are also 19 swimming pools within the state park system.  Last year, more than 4.3 million people visited state park beaches and pools across Ohio.

 

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