With temperatures in the 90s and the heat index expected to reach into the triple digits for the first time this summer, swimming pools may be a popular choice to cool off. With that in mind, there are some safety tips to protect yourself against the summer heat.

Jefferson Pool Manager Simone Lang recommends constantly staying hydrated while at the pool, especially on very hot days.

“Just because you’re in water the body can still become dehydrated. And then just exposure to the sun’s rays can have its effect of ‘taking it out of you’ so to speak. Not only becoming more tired but again like we said sweating things out, that dehydration process. It might not feel like you’re dehydrated because it’s very comfortable in the water, but that process is always going on.” 

Lang encourages anyone going to the pool to apply sunscreen a few minutes prior to entering the pool, just so the sunscreen has time to soak into the skin. He suggests reapplying sunscreen at least once per hour that you are at the pool. Lang notes part of the reason there is a required ten minute break at the end of each hour is to allow for people to reapply sunscreen, rest and get a drink of water.