New Hope Aquatic Park Staff Help Swimmers Stay Safe

To the delight of many kids and parents, the New Hope Aquatic Park is officially open for the season.

Swimmers can enjoy everything from zero-depth entry and slides, to high dives and lap lanes.

But while there is plenty of summer fun to be had, lifeguard Leah Davis is reminding visitors that a safe day at the pool requires cooperation from everyone.

“In a split second, anything can happen and it’s really our job to keep you guys safe,” said Davis.

Rules of the Pool

She’s recommending families review the rules before jumping in, starting with supervision.

Children ages ten and under must be accompanied by a guardian age 15 or older.

“Definitely make sure to have an adult with you especially if you are a small child, or even as a teenager,” said Davis. “It’s always good to have a parent on standby just to be there to watch you and be there to make sure you are safe.”

The pool has a zero-tolerance policy for roughhousing, and flotation devices from home aren’t allowed, though Coast Guard approved life jackets are okay.

Davis also stresses the most basic pool rule: walk, don’t run.

“You can slip and fall in two seconds and it can cause injuries that can prolong you from swimming for a long time,” said Davis.

Lifeguard Leah Davis watches the pool at New Hope Aquatic Park

Safety is a Two-way Street

The New Hope Aquatic Park staffs 15 lifeguards, but personal responsibility is still important.

“You should always know what you are comfortable with. If you have never swum in deep water, I wouldn’t test it, unless you have an adult there to help you and kind of guide you through whether you can swim in deep water or not,” said Davis.

Davis also suggests using the buddy system as an easy way to add an extra layer of protection, ensuring that friends can keep an eye on one another while in the water.

She hopes that by following a few, simple rules, everybody enjoys their time at the pool.

“We want to help. We want to keep you safe,” said Davis.

New Hope

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