Memorial Day signals the first official weekend of summer. In Antioch, many residents plan trips to the Antioch Aqua Center for a day (or weekend) at the pool. Boating, canoeing, and swimming also are incredibly popular at Fox Chain O’Lakes and Fox River. Antioch Lake also is a hot spot for swimming.
Whatever you do to cool off this summer, understand that enjoying rivers, lakes, and even pools requires that Antioch residents adhere to safety best practices and precautions. Follow these important water safety tips this summer.
Table of Contents:
Swimming Pool Safety Tips
Antioch Aqua Center Safety Regulations
Canoeing and Boating Safety
Pack a Boat Safety Kit
Illinois Boat Safety Checklist and Laws
Fox River Safety
Safety Tips for Fox Chain O’Lakes
Synopsis:
Rivers and lakes offer cool respite during a hot summer day. Antioch residents must adhere to proper safety precautions when swimming, boating, or canoeing on large bodies of water. Always use a flotation device, never swim alone, always supervise children near water, and never swim or boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Swimming Pool Safety Tips
Public and private swimming pools provide a more controlled swimming environment. In contrast, pools lack the current, wakes, and debris that increase the risk of drowning or injury while swimming, pools are not risk-free. According to the Centers for Disease Control, three out of every 10 fatal drownings (children ages 5 to 14) happen in a pool.
Parents and caregivers can minimize the risk of swimming pool injuries and drowning by following simple safety precautions:
Never leave children unattended near water.
Install a safety fence around the pool, separating it from the home. Always install a lock on the fence, ensuring children cannot easily access the area.
Choose bright colored swimwear for children when swimming in public or private pools. Opt for colors like orange, yellow, and red, which are easily visible in the water. Stay away from blue or green swimwear, which can blend into the blue water of a pool.
Enforce a “no running” rule in the pool area. Wet, slippery decks and surfaces increase the risk of falls.
Teach children proper swimming techniques. Strong swimming skills can be a lifesaving skill.
Antioch Aqua Center Safety Regulations
Residents planning a day at Antioch Aqua Center should familiarize themselves with the facility's safety regulations. Antioch Aqua Center stipulates that all flotation devices must be coast-guard approved (no swim wings or swimming rings). An adult must accompany children under the age of 12.
Canoeing and Boating Safety
Antioch residents canoe and boat in both Fox Chain O’Lakes and Fox River. Be safe on rivers and lakes. Antioch Fire Department recommends packing a boat safety kit to keep in the boat (or canoe). In addition, every individual must have a life jacket. Even the strongest swimmers can succumb to the river current or struggle in the lake's depths.
What to Pack in a Boat Safety Kit
Boat safety kits include all the necessities for an emergency. The kit should be stored in a waterproof container or pouch. Every kit should include:
First aid kit (bandages, tweezers, antiseptic wipes, ointment, gauze, tourniquet, scissors, pain reliever, and antihistamine)
Flares
Flashlight (and extra batteries)
Airhorn
Fire extinguisher
When canoeing, a full safety kit might not be necessary or practical. However, always pack a first aid kit and a flashlight.
Illinois Boat Safety Checklist and Laws
Boats (outboard motors, inboard, and jet) require unique safety protocols. In the state of Illinois, boat owners and operators must abide by the laws guiding operation. Boats must be titled and registered, with the registration number displayed on the boat. Boating safety certificates are required for parents born on or after January 1, 1998, who wish to supervise a child (ages 10-17) operating a boat.
All individuals 13 years and younger in an open boat (not in a cabin) must wear a life vest. In addition, all boats must include a fire extinguisher. Before venturing out on a lake or river, read the Handbook of Illinois Boating Laws and Responsibilities. This book includes every rule, law, and guideline that must be followed when boating in Illinois.
Fox River Safety
Fox River is a popular destination for boaters, swimmers, and campers. Unlike pools, rivers hide dangers lurking beneath the surface. Debris like branches and rocks are not always visible to swimmers. In addition, currents can swiftly pull strong swimmers under the water.
Before swimming, boating, or cooling off in the river, keep these safety rules in mind:
Never dive into a river. Hidden debris can lead to serious or fatal injuries.
Always wear a life jacket. River currents are unpredictable, and a life vest keeps swimmers afloat and safe.
Know how to navigate a current while swimming. When caught in a current, swim at an angle (diagonally) towards the shore.
Alcohol, drugs, and the river are dangerous combinations. Don’t get high or drunk when swimming or boating.
Safety Tips for Fox Chain O’Lakes
Fox Chain O'Lakes spans more than 980 square acres and nearly 6,500 of water. The Chain is a popular destination for boating, skiing, swimming, and fishing. Its massive size means that navigation requires that boaters need to understand the layout of the Chain and its lakes.
The maximum depth of the Chain is 40 feet. However, some lakes that comprise the Chain are not nearly this deep. Shallower lakes within the Chain are better for families with small children.
When planning a trip to the Chain O’Lakes, keep these tips in mind:
Pack life jackets for everyone.
Choose a lake ideal for the activity (and the family). Again, shallower lakes are better choices for younger children.
Never let children swim unattended.
Do not dive into lakes (like rivers, debris hides beneath the surface)
Abide by all boating laws and regulations
Never swim alone
Enter the lake with your feet; don’t jump in!
Stay Cool…and Safe This Summer!
Antioch Fire Department urges you to follow safety best practices when swimming, boating, and canoeing in lakes and rivers. Remember that natural bodies of water include debris that hides beneath the surface. Never dive in or jump in. Always wear a life jacket when swimming in lakes and rivers. Always review boating laws and regulations to ensure compliance. While swimming pools are easier to navigate for many swimmers, they are not hazard-free. They should follow all safety rules in aquatic centers, never leave children unattended, and remember to enforce a “no running” rule. Stay safe when staying cool in the water this summer!
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