InTucker Magazine

Fit & Fun InTucker

As we turn from spring to full blown summer here in the south, outdoor safety is paramount. There are many ways to refresh your outdoor safety skills, but here are a few reminders as you enjoy all that summer has to offer here in Tucker.

We encourage everyone to enjoy our parks, pools, and sports and youth camps as well as the miles of hiking trails we have to offer. While enjoying all these activities there are a few safety tips for you to keep in mind.

With our pools now being open for the season, knowing how to be safe around water is a great way to start your summer off right. Here are a few tips for pool safety. Be sure to never swim alone. Having a swim buddy is always a great way to keep everyone safe. Know the swimming ability of both yourself and all of those in your party. If you are unsure, please wear a coast guard approved life vest. Swimming when you aren’t feeling well is unsafe for you and other guests, so please stay at home if you are sick. Also, avoid swallowing pool water as this is a way to keep you from ingesting unwanted germs and chemicals. And remember to always follow the instructions of the lifeguards and pool staff; they are there for your safety and the safety of those around you.

When gearing up for other ways to have fun outdoors here in Tucker, there are just a few more important tips to remember. Make sure you stay hydrated and look for signs of heat exhaustion in those around you (extreme thirst, dizziness, headache, and elevated body temperature). If you think you or someone in your party is dehydrated or experiencing heat exhaustion, please take proper measures to help yourself and friends. Ensure that you are wearing sunscreen on all exposed skin and reapply often to greatly lower your chances of getting sunburned now and skin cancer later. You should also be sure to reapply sunscreen after swimming or excessive sweating. Dressing properly for your outdoor activity of choice will help keep you comfortable while hiking, playing or relaxing in our parks and pools. Proper footwear will also help to keep you on your feet and prevent you from slipping and falling. One final tip is to monitor the weather. Living in the south can bring unexpected shifts in the weather, and heeding the local weather advisories is always your best practice.

For information on CPR classes and swimming lessons, please call the Tucker Recreation Center at (470) 481-0205 and we will assist you in finding local classes that will best fit your personal interests and needs to better prepare you for an outdoor summer. The American Red Cross has a wealth of information about how to stay safe during the summer months especially outdoors. Using the tips previously mentioned will help protect our kids during their fun summer.