Chief Joseph O’Connor
219 Walden Street
P.O. Box 519
Concord, MA 01742
For Immediate Release
Friday, June 3, 2016
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Concord Police Offer Water Safety Tips for the Summer
CONCORD — As temperatures rise and summer approaches, Chief Joseph O’Connor and the Concord Police Department are reminding residents to follow essential safety tips while spending time by the water.
“Residents should be vigilant when swimming in public and private areas,” Chief O’Connor said. “Parents, please take extra caution when children are present to prevent accidents and tragedies. We hope everyone has a safe summer.”
Walden Pond State Reservation, 915 Walden St., is a popular swimming destination that is open to the public year-round. The reservation, run by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, also has a loading ramp for boats (electric motors only), kayaks and canoes. Residents are advised to always wear life jackets when boating.
While at DCR-run reservations, 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.
- Drinking or possessing alcohol is prohibited.
- Open fires and grilling are not allowed on the premises.
Boating is also a popular activity on the Concord River, a 16.3-mile tributary that flows into the Merrimack River. While the water is generally calm, officials advise residents to not swim in the river and to always be cautious when boating, as currents can be unpredictable and dangerous.
For those with their own pools, Concord 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 do not 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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