Comments on: Are lakes more dangerous than pools for kids to swim in?

By: Robert

Robert — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 22:09:33 +0000

It’s always a tragedy when a child drowns. I’m the pool operator at our local YMCA. I teach and preach safety and all the lifeguards know I’m a “letter-of-the-law” kind of guy when it comes to safety. There is no room for error.

Please watch your children and when your pool is not in use get a safety cover or solid cover for your pool.

As for lakes, if I can’t see, I won’t swim, and that’s final. I won’t allow my children to swim in lakes. Over-protective? Yep. Apologizing? Nope

Go to:

http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/above-ground-swimming-pool-covers.html

http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/swimming-safety.html

for more info.

By: fk

fk — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 21:47:15 +0000

HB – I grew up on the south shore of LI. If it’s beach season, lifeguards are on duty. That’s not to say that we’d let kids go down to the water unsupervised. I just would not supervise kids in the waterside unless there were lifeguards on duty…always a plural…lifeguards. I don’t ever recall hearing of a drowning where lifeguards were on duty and flags were flying.

By: Leen

Leen — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 20:38:14 +0000

Two words: Life jacket

By: nurse&mother

nurse&mother — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 04:57:01 +0000

Thanks Jack for the information.

The lake where we have a cabin is pretty clean as far as lakes go. I don’t want to advertise as it has gotten pretty busy with a lot of ATL folks.

Yes, a lake probably has much more hazards than a swimming pool. BUT, don’t let your guard down at a pool either. With caution and safety precautions in place, you can still have a wonderful time at the lake.

By: Jack Harder

Jack Harder — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 03:35:02 +0000

Lakes are no more or less dangerous to swim in than pools.

The main problem is supervision. Drowning is most common in two groups. Small children who fall into water while unsupervised and males between the ages of 15-25.

The problem with children can be solved with constant supervision and swimming in lifeguarded areas.

The teenager/adults are trickier. They are usually in unsupervised (often illegal) areas, consuming alcohol and showing off.

Jack Harder
Director of Aquatic Programs
Connecticut Region
American Red Cross

By: HB

HB — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 02:45:22 +0000

Fk, lifeguards have been off and on in one stretch with 2 or 3 posts on St. Simons, but definitely more off than on — signs are posting saying swim at own risk. I think there are “no swimming” signs down by the pier, but no rules against swimming above the lighthouse or so. My impression is there’s really no need for the flags because rip tides there are always bad (despite fairly small visible waves), but the sound between St. Simons and Jekyll is the most dangerous spot, I think due to the huge boats that come through that relatively narrow waterway on their way to the Brunswick port. Seriously, the locals don’t do more than splash around a little at the water’s edge. It may be that the reason for no lifeguards is to discourage people from swimming at all.

By: fk

fk — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 02:30:24 +0000

HB – do they not use flags on the beach to indicate conditions? If it is too dangerous to swim due to the riptides, etc., do the lifeguards not make everyone get out of the water? I’ve been to many beaches in GA & FL and have not even seen a lifeguard. What’s up with that?

By: HB

HB — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 23:39:36 +0000

I don’t know about all lakes, but I do think Georgia lakes are far more dangerous than pools. The red clay makes them extra murky (maybe others are clearer? Lake Michigan looked pretty clear when I visited Chicago, but I didn’t look all that closely.). I also wouldn’t let children swim in the ocean off the GA coast. At St. Simons and Jekyll, the water is extremely murky from red clay washed down by the rivers and the rip tides are very strong. I’m from the area and the surest way to spot a tourist family was to see if they swam in the ocean. I regularly sat for at least a dozen families over the years, but never knew local parents who would let their kids go in more than knee-deep, lifeguard present or not.

By: fk

fk — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 23:05:52 +0000

Not a big lake fan, although I like the lakeside view or one from the boat, but not to swim. I can’t stand that mucky feeling under my feet. Love the ocean. Growing up and still when visiting with family, we’ve got the best of everything. We go to the beach early in the day, then hit the pool afterwards. Love the summer vacation routine. Never, ever would I allow my son to swim in the ocean unless there was a lifeguard present, though.

By: Robin

Robin — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 20:19:47 +0000

I much rather my 4 year old swim in a pool than in a lake. The thing is, i CAN SEE her underwater in a pool, and can pull her out if need be. I CANNOT SEE her underwater in a lake, and cannot find her to pull her out. If she goes near a lake, she will have to wear a lifejacket.