Pool safety critical part of summer fun

  • Published
  • By Airman Jacob Corbin
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  There is nothing like a refreshing swim on a hot summer day, especially in Texas. But while swimming, Team Sheppard members need to keep safety a top priority along with the fun and excitement. 

Swimmers should keep in mind that while swimming can be relaxing, there is still a chance of injury while in the water. 

"Joint injuries tend to come up on swimmers due to the stress on their joints from the range-of-motion required by swimming," said John Martin, exercise physiologist at the health and wellness center here. 

Martin said if a swimmer encounters any type of injury, they should first practice the RICE method. RICE stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation. 

"If it doesn't get better after that, it's time to get medical care," he said. 

Swimming is a very low impact sport, and is great for those in physical therapy or who have generally sore muscles, said Teannette Miller, lead lifeguard for the Sheppard pools. 

Overall, swimming is a great way to exercise, Miller said. "It works all your muscles in one session, and helps build up your lung strength." 

It is important to remember to stretch properly and warm up before swimming, as well as to set a pace you can handle. 

"You're not going to swim a mile your first day, treat it like any other workout and build up your strength," Miller said. 

As with other excercies, it is important to hydrate regularly while swimming. 

"People don't realize you actually sweat while swimming," she said. "Drink lots of fluids, with water always being the best fluid replacement." 

Miller also pointed out that swimmers should take care of their skin in the sunlight.
"Water is highly reflective and you burn faster in the pool due to the added exposure," she said. "Make sure you apply sunscreen and remember that it's just as important to reapply it throughout the day." 

Another important weather consideration is the threat of lightning, Miller said. "Pools and lakes attract it, and you need to keep an eye on the weather." 

When it comes to pools and children, safety is extremely important. 

With children, it's important to start them swimming when they are young, said Miller. "Babies can start learning (to swim) as early as 6 months old." 

Start slow and get them used to the water, maybe in a bath tub. The important thing is to not just toss them in, let them get a feel for paddling and kicking, Miller continued. She said that flotation devices should be U.S Coast Guard approved life preservers. 

Swimming is a fun and exciting summer-time activity, but swimmers need to also remember safety while swimming. 

"Accidents do happen," Miller said. "No one hears about the people we help every day, you only hear about the times when we weren't able to save them. More accidents happen then people realize."