FORT BENNING GA - They might be called the lazy days of summer, but apathy has no place in or around the swimming pool - at least when it comes to safety, lifeguards say.
With people heading to Fort Benning's outdoor pools in larger numbers as the season approaches its midway point, officials want to reinforce the practices and measures set up to prevent mishaps and accidents in the water.
The Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation outdoor pool behind the Benning Conference Center is a big hangout for families and kids seeking refuge from the heat, attracting about 50 visitors a day, said Rachel Patrzeba, the facility's head lifeguard. More than 85 people hit the pool on its busiest day a few weeks ago, when temperatures consistently reached the upper 90s.
The other two outdoor swimming pools operated by DFMWR at Fort Benning are Carey Pool on Main Post and the one at Kelley Hill.
Patrzeba said it's OK to have fun and cool off with a dip but safety should never be overlooked.
"If people know and follow the basic rules, it will make the experience more enjoyable for all," she said. "We haven't had any problems here this summer. The lifeguards know how to prevent things from happening - I couldn't ask for a better staff. And most patrons know how to have fun in a safe manner."
She said the pool at the Benning Conference Center has more features for children, including a baby pool and playground structure. Carey's baby pool is closed indefinitely.
All swim lessons at Fort Benning are held in the conference center pool from 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday through Friday.
While there haven't been any major incidents this summer, lifeguards remain diligent with the enforcement of rules, Patrzeba said.
"Kids love to run on the pool deck here. That's a big no-no," she said.
Children 10-and-younger who don't know how to swim must be accompanied by a parent in the water, she said.
"That's a big rule we enforce," said Patrzeba, who's been a lifeguard for eight years, including the past two summers at Benning. "Parents should also keep an extra eye on their children because it does get really crowded in here sometimes.
"The teenagers can get a little rough, too. We just tell them to calm down."
She said there have been isolated instances this year of people sneaking into the pool after hours by hopping over the fence. That's dangerous because someone could get hurt and no one would be around to help, she said.
"Don't ever swim without a lifeguard," she said.
Patrzeba encourages pool visitors to always wear sunscreen - even when it's cloudy - and stay hydrated in the hot weather. Little Caesar's nearby offers free water, she said.
Alcohol is allowed at the outdoor pool but glass bottles are prohibited.
Patrzeba said officials also take precautions during afternoon thunderstorms, a common occurrence in the summer. The pool closes for an hour when lightning is spotted and 30 minutes if thunder is detected in the area.
The pool at the Benning Conference Center is open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and noon to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. It's closed every Monday for lifeguard training and team building.
Hours of operation are the same at Carey Pool and Kelley Hill, but the lifeguard in-service days are different. Carey Pool is closed Tuesdays while the Kelley Hill facility shuts down each Wednesday.
After Aug. 3, the Fort Benning outdoor pools will be open on weekends only until closing for the season on Labor Day.
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