Safety Tips To Consider Before City Pools Open

City swimming pools are set to open Saturday morning and YMCA officials are sharing safety tips that families should review together.

The city of Colorado Springs partnered with the YMCA this year to reopen Monument Valley Pool, Portal Pool, Prospect Lake Beach, Wilson Ranch Pool, the Cottonwood Creek Recreation Center and Memorial Park Recreation Center.

All of the pools are set to open on Saturday morning.

Boyd Williams with the YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region said safety is their top priority. More than 100 lifeguards have been hired for the pools this summer.

He said there is also a banding system in place in which swimming ability is tested and kids are banded in a color according to their swim level. This would prevent children from going into deep areas of a swimming pool that they may not be ready for, according to Williams.

YMCA officials also said swim classes are a good idea for all children. Some kids, especially those ages 5 to 7, can get overconfident. That age group is considered the most at-risk of drowning.

Williams said the bottom line is that parents need to pay attention and watch their children at all times. Colorado Springs firefighters also pointed out that parents have a responsibility.

“Usually what it comes down to is somebody turned their back for just a few seconds,” said Lt. Mike Smaldino.

Smaldino also said adults need to watch out for their own safety. Adults who have been drinking alcohol need to stay out of the pool, according to firefighters.

If you would like more information on city swimming pools opening this weekend, click here.