Water Safety Tips

SOMERVILLE -- With summer here and many Somerville residents heading to nearby pools, Chief David Fallon and the Somerville Police Department are urging everyone to use caution in order to stay safe while they find ways to cool down.

"We are very fortunate to have multiple locations for our residents to take solace during the hot weather," Chief Fallon said. "However, we want to remind our citizens to be safe, even if there are lifeguards on duty. Follow all rules and guidelines, and parents, please supervise your children at all times."

The Kennedy School Pool, a department of the Somerville schools, is a popular swimming destination that provides services to the entire Somerville community. There are two pools at the Kennedy School, which each have a lifeguard on duty. 

The Kennedy School Pool is located at:
5 Cherry St. in the basement of the school.

Another popular swimming spot is the Latta Brothers Memorial Swimming and Wading Pool at Foss Park. 

Foss Park:
235 Broadway. 

It opens for the season on Saturday, June 25 and will remain open through Aug. 28. The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) operates the pool daily from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. during the summer. 

While at the reservations run by DCR, please remember:

  1. Follow the direction of the park staff at all times.
  2. Practice sun safety: always wear sunscreen, seek shaded areas and protect your skin from direct sun exposure.
  3. Drinking or possessing alcohol is prohibited.
  4. Open fires and grilling are not allowed on the premises. 
Dilboy Field Pool:
324 Alewife Brook Pkwy

Dilboy Field Pool is scheduled to open on June 25. Hours of operation are from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m, Monday through Friday, and 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

 

American Red Cross

When accessing pools, Somerville Police suggests that the community follow safety tips outlined by the American Red Cross:
  1. Per Massachusetts law, have a least a 4-foot-high barrier that encloses the pool and an access gate that self-closes, locks, and opens outward from the swimming area (even if you don't have children). 
  2. Fasten a safety cover over the pool when it is not in use, and remove ladders to further prevent access to the pool. For added safety, install a pool alarm that will sound if anyone enters the water.
  3. Never leave children unattended while they are near or in a pool, and make sure they have an adult to accompany them into the water. Young or inexperienced swimmers should always wear a life jacket or inflatable arm floats.
  4. Make sure children stay away from pool drains, pipes, or any other opening to avoid getting trapped or hurt. If a child is missing, always check the pool first.
  5. Set safety instructions and share them with family, friends, neighbors, or anyone else who is near or uses the poo. Advise children to stay away from pool deep ends, and to always walk, never run, near the pool.
  6. Take a CPR course for adults and children to be prepared if an emergency situation occurs. Update skills regularly.