It’s time to swim!

Nothing says summer is here like a day spent at the pool with your family.

Such days usually consist of laughs, braais and children splashing away in the swimming pool. For those families who might not have the luxury of a pool in their backyard, why not use the great public pools in your community.

So instead of a braai, pack a picnic basket and load the car up. Make your way to either Linden, Blairgowrie or Robin Hills, Windsor East or West, swimming pool.

The rates to use the pools start at R5 for children, R10,50 for adults and free for senior citizens.

Here are some pool safety tips:

• When near the water, watch children with constant, undivided attention
• Do not become distracted with things such as text messaging, talking on the phone or working in the garden
• Have a designated pool watcher keep an eye on swimmers at all times
• Do not leave anything nearby that a child could use to climb over the fence
• Remove steps to above ground pools when not in use
• Learn to swim and enrol children in swimming lessons starting as early as six-months-old
• Learn CPR and keep emergency phone numbers posted in the pool area
• Watching your children is just as important when everyone is indoors. Children are curious, creative and innovative. They can quickly figure out how to get outside and water can pique their interest. For this reason, it is important to have several layers of protection between children and the pool.

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