TYNGSBOROUGH –Chief Richard D. Howe and the Tyngsborough Police Department would like to remind residents to practice safe habits while recreating near pools and other bodies of water this summer.
“The summer months are a great time to enjoy the outdoors by swimming in backyard pools or visiting Lake Mascuppic, Massapoag Pond and Merrimack River,” said Chief Howe. “The town of Tyngsborough has multiple locations for boating, kayaking, and canoeing. We encourage all residents to take note of the following safety procedures when out on the water.”
For those with their own pools, the Tyngsborough Police Department suggests 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.
The Merrimack River is a popular boating and kayaking destination during the summer months. Boating activities on the river include canoeing, kayaking, rowing and power boating. The river provides both quickwater and flatwater experiences for canoeists and kayakers and is one of the largest surface water bodies in the region for power boating.
Lake Mascuppic, located in Tyngsborough with a Massachusetts state boat ramp in Dracut, is fully recreational with heavy boat traffic in the summer months. The Town Beach at Lake Mascuppic is a popular location for outdoor recreational activities such as swimming and boating.
Massapoag Pond, located off of Massapoag Road, is also heavily utilized for boating, fishing and swimming.
The American Canoe Association offers the following safety tips to kayakers, paddlers, and recreational boaters:
- 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 physical limitations.
- Group members need to constantly assess the behavior of others in their group.
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