JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
As the summer months approach, U.S. Service members assigned to Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, may look forward to enjoying the waters in the surrounding area.
Military personnel and community members are reminded during Healthy and Safe Swimming Week, May 23-29, to keep proper swimming pool procedures and rules in mind to ensure everyone remains safe during the summer season.
Life Aquatics and JBLE have teamed up to keep Service members and their families safe.
"We make sure there are no hazards around the water such as vacuums, cords and electrical hazards," said Janisa Pearson, assistant manager for Life Aquatics and life guard at Shellbank Fitness Center. "We also ensure there are proper floatation devices available and a guard present in the pool area at all times. Guards ensure all pool rules are followed and are available for medical purposes, especially for the pediatric and geriatric visitors."
The life guards at the Shellbank Fitness Center are all Red Cross and first aid certified and are able to handle medical or water contamination issues that may occur, said Pearson.
On JBLE, the 633rd Civil Engineer Squadron handles any contamination that occurs at the pools. The Airmen perform tests to determine the proper course of action and then use chemicals to sanitize the water.
Along with identifying medical or contamination issues, the lifeguards at Shellbank are responsible for ensuring the 109-person capacity is not exceeded and proper safety equipment is being used.
"For children, wearing [diapers] that are designed to not weigh the child down is important," said Pearson. "Make sure the child can swim and if they cannot, ensure they can touch [the bottom of the pool]. Also, if the child doesn't want to be in the water, don't force them because it could cause them to fear swimming later in life."
For those families who have a private pool of their own, some hazards to be cautious of are possible toys left in the pool which can lure children to the water, ladders or easily accessible gates. These three hazards could cause an accident to happen, said Pearson.
Some hazards that can be overlooked are hydration, sunscreen, ensuring someone is aware of medication being taken and alcohol consumption while swimming, said Pearson.
For more information, contact the 633rd Air Base Wing safety office at 764-5057.