Enjoy Summer Swimming: See Water Safety Tips & City Pool Swim Times

May is National Water Safety Month

As summer approaches and the weather heats up, more time is spent near and in the water, but before taking that first monumental splash in the pool, it is important to reflect on the critical need for water safety. During the month of May, in recognition of National Water Safety Month, Santa Rosa Recreation & Parks is joining with other aquatic professionals across the country and the American Red Cross to help spread awareness about drowning prevention, and to ensure that every member of your family becomes water competent. This means being water smart, having swimming skills, and knowing how to help others. Children and adults should learn to swim so they at least achieve the skills of water competency: be able to enter the water, get a breath, stay afloat, change position, swim a distance and then get out of the water safely.

Layers of protection are essential to help prevent drowning. Here are some tips to plan ahead for safe aquatic activities:

• provide close and constant attention to children you are supervising in or near water;
• fence pools and spas with adequate barriers, including four-sided fencing;
• learn swimming and water survival skills;
• children, inexperienced swimmers, and all boaters should wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets; and
• always swim in a lifeguarded area.

Visit the Red Cross website for more water safety tips and information.

Swimming and Swimming Lessons at Ridgway and Finley Pools

Santa Rosa Recreation & Parks is gearing up to welcome residents to a fun and safe summer season 2023 at the City's two public pools -- Ridgway Swim Center and Finley Aquatic Center. Swim lessons are offered now through summer season for swimmers of all ages and experience levels. Weekend recreational swimming begins on May 13th at Ridgeway pool and in early June at Finley pool.

Visit SRCity.org/Aquatics for program information, operating schedule, and to register.