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Youth
April 4 - 17, 2009 47
Chandler Aquatics ready for long pool season
Spring Break Time registration begins May 9
by Liam O’Mahony
Keeping water clean for all
even when children have completed swimming
It’s already time to start planning quality pool time
Another important aspect of an enjoyable recreational
classes.
now that March has fl own by and Spring Break is over.
experience at the pool is ensuring water quality and
Adults should not be involved in distracting
The City of Chandler Aquatics Division’s newest facility,
safety. Recreation Water Illnesses (RWI) are spread by
activities while supervising children.
the Mesquite Groves Aquatic Center, located at 5901 S.
swallowing, contaminated water that could result in a
Always swim with a buddy and select swim sites
Hillcrest Dr., opened for the season on March 9 and will
variety of symptoms, including gastrointestinal, skin, ear,
with lifeguards when possible.
be open 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m. Monday through
eye and wound infections.
Avoid drinking alcohol before or during
Friday and from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday
The Chandler Aquatics Division requires all children
swimming, boating or water skiing;
through June 4.
who are not potty trained to wear swim diapers. While
do not drink alcohol while supervising children.
As the swim season picks up with the rising
this is the fi rst step in keeping infection-causing germs
Learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
temperatures, the Chandler Aquatics staff would like to
from entering a pool, parents should also frequently
In the time takes paramedics to arrive, CPR
inform all residents and guests that a new food policy
change diapers during their visit to local pools. Changing
skills could make a difference in helping save
goes into effect May 2 for all six pools:
a toddler on the pool deck or next to the pool creates
someone’s life.
1. One hard or soft-sided cooler per guest, not to
additional potential hazards, so it should always be done
Do not use air-fi lled or foam toys, such as “water
exceed 7x7x9-inch – six-pack size – in dimensions
in the restroom or locker room.
wings” or inner-tubes as a substitute for personal
is allowed.
Parents should also keep an eye on children ages
fl otation devices as they are not designed to keep
2. Briefcases, ice pack and cooler inserts are not
4- to 8-year-olds and remind these children to take
swimmers safe.
permitted.
periodic bathroom breaks, with reminders once an hour.
Enjoy your time at Chandler Aquatic Centers this
3. Food items must either fi t within the cooler or be
It is very important for swimmers of all ages to realize
summer and throughout the year and always be safe
brought in an 11x8-inch brown bag or sack lunch
the importance of not swimming, including attending
and look out for other people. For more information
bag. Bags exceeding 11x8-inch are prohibited, no
swimming lessons, when they are ill with gastrointestinal
on swim lessons, pool hours, fees and policies, visit
exceptions. Food in brown bags must be single
related illnesses. Fecal incidents and vomit require the
www.chandleraz.gov/aquatics or call 480-782-2733.
servings and/or snack-type food.
pool to close for 30 minutes and up to 24 hours, which
The spring Break Time is available at City of Chandler
4. Beverages not to exceed 32 ounces, include:
would prevent a lot of people from enjoying swimming
facilities and Fry’s Stores, and will be available Fri.,
Non-fl avored/non-carbonated water in sealed,
and splashing around during our hot summer days!
April 24. Registration starts Sat., May 9 for residents and
plastic bottles is preferred. However, other Fri., May 15 for nonresidents. It also can be viewed at
liquids such as ice tea, coffee and soda will be
Water safety at all times
www.chandleraz.gov/breaktime. For more information
allowed.
Every year there are fatal drownings in Chandler. It’s
about recreation programs, call 480-782-2727.
Sealed, single-serving juice boxes or pouches.
not just small children who are affected, but they are
Formula or baby food.
the most vulnerable and need to be monitored at all
Liam O’Mahony is an Information Specialist with the City of
Items necessary for medical purposes. Chandler Community Services Department. He can be reached
times. More than one in four fatal drowning victims are
Pizzas or pizza in boxes, fried chicken in
at liam.o’mahony@chandleraz.gov.
children 14 and younger. Here’s how to help prevent
boxes, party subs and other food items such as
water-related injuries:
cupcakes, cakes, etc. that cannot be placed in a
Enroll your child in a swimming lesson program.
“brown bag” or give the appearance of party type
Eye-to-eye, constant, careful supervision and
food are prohibited.
barriers such as pool fencing are necessary
No alcohol or glass containers are allowed.
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