When the temperatures start rising in the CSRA, more and more people head to the water to cool off. And when you're spending more time near the water, it's important you know how to practice water safety to reduce the risk of injuries or drowning.
From local pools to the lake and river, there are many spots to cool down and enjoy the water around the area. And the beach isn't too far away either. No matter where you choose to take a dip to cool off, you want to make sure that everyone remains safe.
Swimming Around The CSRA
If you don't have a pool of your own, there are various public pools throughout the CSRA. Some of these pools are accessible by paying a fee each time you visit. There are other pools that will require membership. Here are a few spots to check out:
- The Kroc Center of Augusta - 1833 Broad Street, Augusta, GA - An indoor pool and water park. They also offer swim lessons to ages 6 months through adults.
- City of Aiken Public Pool - 416 Kershaw Street NE, Aiken, SC - The pool is part of the Smith-Hazel Recreation Facility. Three day pool passes are available for $3 each. They also offer student and family pool passes.
- Aiken County Recreation Center Pool - 917 Jefferson Davis Highway, Graniteville, SC - The pool is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It's $2 per person to swim. The pool is closed on the weekends for rentals.
- The Wilson Family Y - 3570 Wheeler Road, Augusta, GA - This pool requires a membership with the Family Y. They have an indoor and outdoor pool, along with a water slide and kiddie pool.
- Aiken County Family Y - 621 Trolley Lane, Graniteville, SC - This pool requires a membership. They have an outdoor pool with a water park that features a 25-meter competition pool, a double water slide, a kiddie pool, and a lazy river.
And many kids will get to enjoy some pool time at summer camps. Check out those camps HERE.
Other Areas To Enjoy The Water
In addition to pools, the Augusta area has many places you can enjoy sitting by the water, boating, kayaking, and more.
There are various beach and recreation areas around Strom Thurmond/Clarks Hill Lake. You can boat, fish, hike, bike, and camp at some of these areas, like Mistletoe State Park in Appling, Elijah Clark State Park in Lincolnton, and West Dam near Clarks Hill, South Carolina.
Another "lake" to enjoy is Richardson's Lake Water Park and Outdoor Recreation Area, located at 919 Richardson's Lake Road in Warrenville, SC. They have sandy beaches, water slides, diving boards, and concessions.
In Augusta, you've also got the Rae's Creek Aqueduct on Augusta Levee Road. It's part of a park and features stone arches and has one of the best waterfalls in the area.
With so many places to enjoy the water, before go, make sure you're prepared!
Water Safety Tips For Summer
1. Never Swim Alone
When it comes to swimming, whether in a pool or in the open water, you should never swim alone. Ideally, having a lifeguard present would be best, but if there isn't one, at least have other people nearby in case of an issue. Swimming with friends is more fun anyway, and it's good to have people looking out for you and you can look out for them. In open water areas, the chances of having a lifeguard present is very low.
You should follow any posted signed wherever you swim, and never leave children unattended.
2. Use Life Jackets
Regardless of swimming ability, it's recommended you always wear a life jacket when you're on a boat. Life jackets should also be used with children and anyone who doesn't know how to swim. These life jackets should be U.S. Coast Guard-approved and appropriate for your weight and size and the water activity.
3. Understand The Water Environment
For the most part, you know what to expect with a swimming pool. But it's important that children and those with limited or no swimming abilities know the depth of the pool and the areas where it's more shallow. When it comes to open water, it's important to be aware of the risk for currents in a river or the ocean.
Also keep in mind that in new areas, you may not be aware of the depth. This is important to know, and may be more difficult with unclear water. Open water also includes being aware of what may be beneath the water's surface, including vegetation and wildlife.
4. Enter The Water Feet First
Diving into water that is too shallow could lead to injury or death. It's important to enter the water properly, and only jump or dive in where it's safe to do so.
5. Encourage Learning To Swim
Learning to swim can be extremely helpful in preventing water-related injury or death. Even basic swim lessons can teach water competency which includes entering the water, getting a breath, and how to stay afloat.
6. Learn CPR
While knowing water safety can prevent some risks, accidents can still happen. If a drowning or pool-related accident occurs, knowing lifesaving techniques, including CPR could mean the difference between life and death. The American Red Cross offers CPR classes, and you can get details and find the next available class HERE.
