Chief Brian Kyes
19 Park St.
Chelsea, MA 02150
For Immediate Release
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Contact: Captain Keith Houghton
Phone: 617-828-5722
Email: KHoughton@chelseama.gov
Chelsea Police Remind Residents about Safe Swimming Practices at Pools
CHELSEA — As summer approaches and warm weather is in the forecast, Chief Brian Kyes and the Chelsea Police Department are reminding the community to be safe while visiting public and private pools and to never swim in the Chelsea River.
Community members who visit the riverside Mary O’Malley Park, located on Admiral’s Hill, are advised not to enter the water. Approximately 7 years ago, a 14-year-old girl drowned when she went into the river to swim.
“The Chelsea River is not a safe place for residents to swim in, under any circumstances,” Chief Kyes said. “Please limit your swimming to public and private pools, and remember to always take precautions to ensure safety for all.”
Residents are welcome to use the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Swimming and Wading Pool, 184 Carter St., which is run by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.
The pool is open daily, from June 27 – September 7, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
While at DCR-run pools, remember:
- Follow the direction of the park staff at all times
- Practice sun safety: always wear sunscreen, seek shaded areas and protect your skin from direct sun exposure.
- All children must be accompanied and monitored by a parent or a responsible guardian at all times.
- For the safety of all, no person with open wounds or cuts and scrapes covered by a medical bandage will be allowed to enter the pool.
- Always walk around the pool, do not run.
- Drinking or possessing alcohol is prohibited.
- Diving is only allowed in authorized areas.
For those with their own pools, Chelsea Police suggest that the community follow safety tips outlined by the American Red Cross:
- Per Massachusetts law, have at least a 4-foot-high barrier that encloses the pool and an access gate that self-closes, locks, and opens outward from the swimming area (even if you don’t have children).
- Fasten a safety cover over the pool when it is not in use, and remove ladders to further prevent access into the pool. For added safety, install a pool alarm that will sound if anyone enters the water.
- Never leave children unattended while they are near or in a pool, and make sure they have an adult to accompany them into the water. Young or inexperienced swimmers should always wear a life jacket or inflatable arm floats.
- Make sure children stay away from pool drains, pipes, or any other openings to avoid getting trapped or hurt. If a child is missing, always check the pool first.
- Set safety instructions and share them with family, friends, neighbors, or anyone else who is near or uses the pool. Advise children to stay away from pool deep ends, and to always walk, never run near the pool.
- Take a CPR course for adults and children to be prepared if an emergency situation occurs. Update skills regularly.
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