Frederick Ryan, Chief of Police
112 Mystic St.
Arlington, MA 02474
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, June 8, 2016
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Arlington Police Department Issues Water Safety Tips
ARLINGTON – Chief Frederick Ryan and the Arlington Police Department are advising residents to follow safety tips while swimming and participating in recreational water activities this summer.
“We want our residents to be able to enjoy their summer, but to stay safe while doing so,” Chief Ryan said. “To prevent accidents and injuries, residents should use caution when swimming or boating. Parents, please keep an extra eye on children when they are in or around water.”
Arlington Reservoir Beach, located on Lowell Street in Arlington Heights, is a popular swimming destination for residents and visitors. The beach is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. from June 13 to Aug. 18, and is supervised by certified lifeguards. Season passes can be found here.
Spy Pond is open for those who wish to canoe, kayak and paddle board. Swimming is prohibited. Chief Ryan asks that boaters follow safety tips outlined by the American Canoe Association:
- Always wear a life jacket.
- Children under the age of 12 must wear a life jacket in a public body of water at all times.
- Be a competent swimmer with the ability to handle oneself underwater, moving water, surf or current.
- Keep the craft under control. Do not enter a rapid unless you are reasonably sure you can navigate it or swim the entire rapid in case you capsize.
- Keep a lookout for hazards and avoid them. Watch for fog, especially on coastal waters.
- Know your emotional and physical limitations.
- Group members need to constantly assess the behavior of others in their group.
For those with their own pools, Arlington 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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