Pasadena city officials and the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center reminded residents of the importance of practicing water safety Friday.
“There were 31 drowning-caused deaths between 2007-2022 among people living in Pasadena. Among those, almost 26% were children under 18 years old and 39% were adults 65 years and older. Supervision and awareness are crucial for any person in the water, according to the Pasadena Public Health Department.
City officials recommended the following tips to help avoid drowning and water-related injuries:
— Enroll in swim lessons to learn basic swimming skills;
— Follow all rules posted at the pool, beach, or recreational swimming location;
— Never swim alone; keep a swim buddy or guardian close by;
— Never dive head-first into water less than nine feet deep;
— Choose a U.S. Coast Guard approved floatation device instead of water wings or inflatables;
— Avoid swimming after consuming alcohol or medications that cause disorientation;
— To prevent the spread of waterborne illnesses, avoid swimming if you feel sick or are experiencing diarrhea;
— Parents must always supervise their children, even if there are lifeguards on duty;
— If a child is missing, always check the water first.
“The goal is to have everyone be prepared, aware and comfortable in the water, so they can continue to enjoy all the benefits that swimming offers,” Pasadena Director of the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department Koko Panossian said.
Officials advised that if you have a pool at home, install barriers and ensure that gates and ladders are self-closing. Personal swimming pools can carry waterborne illnesses and require proper maintenance. Disinfection with chlorine or bromine and maintaining pH levels are the first defense against germs that cause swimming-related illnesses like swimmer’s ear and skin rashes, according to a statement from the city.
“Protection comes in layers,” Director of Programming of the RBAC Cristina Alvarado said. “Assign a water watcher, be aware water safety policies at camps, and make sure your child learns to swim.”
All year-round swim lessons are available for all ages through the city of Pasadena and the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center. More information on water safety can be found at CityOfPasadena.net and RoseBowlAquatics.org.