Hitting the pool this holiday weekend? Maybe you’re also firing up the grill. Have a great time, but think safety first.

A lot of neighborhood pools open up over Memorial Day weekend and local safety officials are reminding adults they have to be careful with their kids.

TIP # 1 – Be sure that your pool is ready

To avoid last minute water problems such as cloudy water or a green pool, be sure that your pool water is balanced—have our professional staff at Pools And Spas check it before your party. This preventative maintenance will help prevent eye and skin irritation that sometimes accompanies a weekend of swimming in a pool of unbalanced water. Eye and skin irritation are usually due to insufficient sanitizer levels or incorrect pH levels.

TIP # 2  Some other important safety tips include:

• Teach your child how to swim.
• Have a phone nearby in the event you need to call 911.
• Have children swim in pairs — the “buddy system”
• If a child is missing, check the pool first.
• Learn CPR and how to use an automatic external defibrillator (AED).
• Keep a watchful eye on drink coolers. As the ice melts, these items can become a drowning hazard for curious toddlers who look in the cooler and are unable to get themselves out.

If you’re cooking out remember grills must be at least 30 feet away from any multifamily apartment building and take a look at your grill to make sure it’s in good working order before you fire it up.

TIP # 3  Some other important safety tips:

• Never use a grill indoors, which includes garages, overhangs and canopies
• If using a grill at your single family home, homeowners should use a 10-foot perimeter from anything combustible — including your house. Never place a grill up against your house, wood deck or fence.
• Do not allow children and pets to play near a grill. Set up a 10-foot safety zone around your grill.
• Only use approved ignition fluids. Never use gasoline to ignite a grill.
• Keep a fire extinguisher, garden hose or bucket of sand nearby to douse a grill fire that gets out of control.

TIP # 4  Stay Safe Under the Sun:

There’s no better feeling than soaking in the new summer sun on Memorial Day — but don’t forget sunscreen.

Skin can become severely burned after just a few hours in the sun, which can increase your risk of skin cancer in the long run. Also, consider providing shade, like umbrellas or covered picnic areas, to reduce sun exposure for yourself and your guests. A hat and sunglasses can offer extra coverage. Don’t forget to reapply the sunscreen after two hours of sun exposure.

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