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"We encourage all swimmers to take simple steps each time they visit the pool to ensure their personal safety and enjoyment."
CHANHASSEN, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--For many people, Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer and the time when outdoor pools open for community enjoyment. With this annual rite of summer comes the opportunity for children and families to have fun, get great exercise and stay cool as temperatures heat up. The beginning of pool season also is the perfect time to brush up on swimming safety and etiquette tips to help ensure a great experience all summer long.
“Life Time Fitness is committed to providing safe, fun, family-oriented environments, especially in our water parks” said Alicia Kockler, Aquatics director, Life Time Fitness. “We encourage all swimmers to take simple steps each time they visit the pool to ensure their personal safety and enjoyment.” Kockler’s guidance includes:
- Children always need direct and active supervision in any pool area. Even when lifeguards are present. Everyone is responsible for safety.
- Read and adhere to all posted rules before you enter any pool. If you have questions, ask the pool manager. Avoid interrupting a lifeguard’s focus on the pool area.
- Always take a shower with soap before entering a pool. If you have a child under three, use a disposable swim diaper covered with rubber or plastic pants.
- Remember to take breaks. A good rule of thumb is to spend 10 to 15 minutes out of the water for every hour you swim. This allows for time to rehydrate, use the restroom or reapply sunscreen.
- Know your limitations and respect others comfort levels. When in the water, stay well within your comfort zone and don’t pressure others to go to areas where the water is deeper than they like. If you need to brush up on your swimming, consider lessons such as Life Time Fitness’ U Swim School. U Swim School offers classes yeararound for all levels and abilities.
- Respect “no diving” warnings. Dive only in designated diving areas.
- Uphold proper etiquette when swimming laps. Observe and respect the pace and workout routines of other swimmers in your lane, particularly when circle swimming, and avoid actions that are likely to interfere with those routines. If you wish to pass someone in the swim lane, gently tap them on the toe and give them a chance to get out of your way at the end of the lane.
Kick off the swimming season at Life Time Fitness with Pirate Day at the pool!
If you’re not currently a Life Time member, find one! Life Time kicks off the pool season on Sunday, May 24, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The event will feature belly flop and biggest splash contests, waterslide races, treasure chest diving and the dreaded, “walk the plank.” Life Time members can bring guests to the event and all are encouraged to dress like pirates (guests dressed as pirates get in FREE). For more information, visit lifetimefitness.com
About Life Time Fitness, Inc.
Life Time Fitness, Inc. (NYSE: LTM) operates distinctive and large, multi-use sports and athletic, professional fitness, family recreation and resort and spa centers. The company also provides consumers with personal training consultation, full-service spas and cafes, corporate wellness programs, health and nutrition education, the healthy lifestyle magazine, Experience Life, athletic events, and nutritional products. As of May 19, 2009, Life Time Fitness operated 83 centers in 18 states, including Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, Utah and Virginia. Life Time Fitness is headquartered in Chanhassen, Minnesota, and can be located on the Web at lifetimefitness.com. LIFE TIME FITNESS, EXPERIENCE LIFE, and the LIFE TIME FITNESS TRIATHLON SERIES are registered trademarks of Life Time Fitness, Inc. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Note to Editors:
Please contact Kent Wipf at 952-229-7211 or kwipf@lifetimefitness.com for all Life Time Fitness preview, interview, photography or video requests.
Life Time Fitness certified water safety staff members are available at each Life Time location to discuss pool safety and etiquette.