Lakes can be beautiful, peaceful spots to cool off in, but nature harbors dangers, too. Blue-green algae can grow in lakes or poorly sanitized pools and some produce toxic cyanobacteria. The slimy and often smelly film that floats on the lake's surface is a distinct green color, so look carefully for it before diving in. Since you might not have the whole lake in your sight, a good solid sniff is another measure of protection. If there's an off-smell, there may be algae you can't see. And don't let your dog take the plunge either. Pets have died after exposure.

Sure, kids are cute, but pre-potty-trained babies don't make good swimming pals. Even trace amounts of fecal matter can harbor the parasite Giardia lamblia. Diaper leakage 바카라 게임 웹사이트� which is hard to prevent, especially in the water바카라 게임 웹사이트�can easily contaminate an entire pool. Accidentally ingest some of the germs, and you're looking at a miserable bout of diarrhea and vomiting you could have avoided by sticking to the adult swim area.

Usually, debris washes up onto the beach, so if you see a line of seaweed, foam or other debris pulled in the opposite direction 바카라 게임 웹사이트� out into the wide ocean 바카라 게임 웹사이트� there could be a riptide offshore. Even a strong swimmer is no match for those dangerous runaway currents. Other telltale signs of a riptide include patches of water that appear a different shade of blue or a visible channel of choppy surf. Just remember that an absence of these signs does not guarantee a riptide-free dip. You should always be careful and swim where there are lifeguards on duty.

The expression "the more the merrier" may apply to many things, but not a public pool. It's a matter of mathematics: Each new body multiplies the germs, viruses and bacteria getting into the water. More and more swimmers also divide the lifeguard's attention, which equals less safety for all. Use common sense: If the pool seems way too crowded, it probably is. Cool off with some ice cream or a instead.

Having pool ladders are essential for getting into and out of the water, but if adults or a lifeguard isn't present, they should be put away to prevent young kids from getting access, especially at above-ground pools. Kids can play on them when adults aren't paying attention and accidentally slip into the pool.

Proper fences and barriers should be put in place at all public pools for kids, and those that don't have these safety measures in place are red flags. According to the , fences of at least four feet high should surround a pool or spa on all sides, and they shouldn't be climbable for young children. People should also avoid propping fences open so kids and toddlers aren't able to easily walk through without adult supervision.

Some pools also have supervisors on watch at pools, in addition to having lifeguards on duty, to help reduce the risk of drowning. Parents of children can also become a "Water Watcher," which means they agree to watch the kids in the water without distractions and carry a . After a certain period of time, you can pass the Water Watcher card to another adult.