ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Swimming season is upon us, and so far, the weather has been perfect for taking a dip.
The City of Allentown has a few reminders for swimmers getting ready to make a splash in their public pools.
- Those hitting the public pools in Allentown should do so safety says the city’s special events coordinator
- Officials there want pool patrons to listen to lifeguard and wear proper attire
- Free swim lessons will be offered as part of the Juneteenth celebration
Both of Allentown’s pools and three splash pads soon will fill up with people cooling down. Cedar Beach Pool opened Memorial Day weekend and Mack Pool will follow suit on Father’s Day weekend, June 17.
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“Pools are open to residents and non-residents alike in the area," city Special Events Manager Ryan Griffiths said. "We do have a variety of options, from daily admission to season passes and our season passes are still open to residents and non-residents alike."
Allentown lifeguards are Red Cross-trained and Griffiths said pool patrons should follow their instructions when given.
"The word lifeguard is not synonymous with babysitter."Allentown Special Events Manager Ryan Griffiths
"Yes, the lifeguards are there, but the word lifeguard is not synonymous with babysitter," he said. "We still need parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles and older siblings to make sure you have a plan of who is watching those young individuals at all times."
He also advised people to wear proper swim attire, including swim diapers, which are offered free of charge at the pools for those who are not potty-trained.
Swimming lessons available
Griffiths said even though lifeguards are on duty, those who do not know how to swim should think about taking lessons before getting in the pool.
"If you are unable to swim or do not know how to swim, then formalized swim lessons are the first line of defense to help keep yourself safe around water that goes for all ages, not just children, children and parents, grandparents alike,” he said.
The city once again is offering free swim lessons as part of its Juneteenth Celebration. Two half-hour time slots the morning of June 19 will be available.
“Unfortunately, drowning is a leading cause of accidental death for children, specifically under the ages of 1 to 4, but anyone under the age of 14. And we really want to make sure that we have the variety of offerings for all of our residents to be able to be safe around water.Allentown Special Events Manager Ryan Griffiths
The city also is participating as part of the world's largest swim lesson on June 22, with four individual lessons at Cedar Beach pool.
“Unfortunately, drowning is a leading cause of accidental death for children, specifically under the ages of 1 to 4, but anyone under the age of 14," Griffiths said.
"And we really want to make sure that we have the variety of offerings for all of our residents to be able to be safe around water.
“So knowing before you go participate in swim lessons, communicate with those staff on those sites just so we can all work together to make sure everyone has a safe enjoyable experience.”
Griffiths said Allentown will offer two-week swim lessons now through the end of August. More information about the Allentown pools can be found on its website.
