This Memorial Day weekend marks the beginning of the summer season for Stafford’s pools and the beaches at Aquia Landing and Historic Port of Falmouth, but staff from Parks and Recreation and Fire and Rescue reminds citizens to keep safety first and foremost in mind in, on and around water.

“Drowning claims the lives of nearly 3,000 people every year,” said Fire and Rescue Chief Rob Brown. “Children four years old and younger have the highest death rate due to drowning. Most drowning and near-drowning incidents happen when a child falls into a pool or is left alone in the bathtub.”

Parks and Recreation reminds people that although there are employees on duty at the pools and beaches, parents still need to pay close attention to their children. “Parents should not take their eyes off their children while visiting aquatics facilities,” said Kari Matheney, Stafford’s Aquatics Manager. “They need to watch their children closely at all times. Lifeguards are not babysitters.”

The Fire and Rescue Department and Parks and Recreation urge everyone to follow these safety tips:

1.       Always swim with a buddy.

2.       Don't dive into unknown bodies of water. Jump feet first to avoid hitting your head on a shallow bottom.

3.       Don't push or jump on others.

4.       Be prepared for an emergency.

·         Never consume alcohol when operating a boat.

·         Always use approved personal flotation devices (life jackets).

·         Don’t underestimate the power of water. Even rivers and lakes can have undertows.

Always have a first-aid kit and emergency phone contacts handy. Parents should be trained in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).

Aquia Landing Beach, Historic Port of Falmouth Waterfront Beach, Curtis Park Pool, and Woodlands Pool and SplashPad will open on Saturday, May 24, 2008, as long as the weather permits and temperatures are above 68 degrees. The schedule for the facilities follows:

Woodlands Pool, 2 Northampton Blvd., and Curtis Park Pool, 58 Jesse Curtis Lane:

Open Swim – 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., weekends
Open Swim – Monday – Friday, noon – 6:00 p.m.

Woodlands Pool - Friday Night Family Swim – 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. (Half-price admission) Cost: $3.00 for youth, ages 3 to 15; $4.00 for adults who are residents of Stafford; children 2 and under are free.

Aquia Landing Park, 2846 Brooke Road:

Park Open: Monday – Sunday, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Memorial Day  - October 31. Beach Open: Memorial Day – Labor Day

Weekends and holidays  - 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Monday – Friday (until mid-June) – 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Monday – Friday (mid-June – Labor Day) – 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Admission to the park is free for Stafford residents, but it will cost $2.00 per person to swim.

Historic Port of Falmouth Park, 401 River Road:

Open Memorial Day - Labor Day, Monday – Sunday, 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Lifejackets provided for river waders

With excessive amounts of rain, the Rappahannock can be extremely dangerous because of strong undercurrents and underwater debris that can trap swimmers. Swimming in the river is strongly discouraged.

For a full listing of operational hours, admission fees and directions to all parks and recreation facilities, please visit www.staffordparks.com or call (540) 658-4871. Parks and Recreation’s activities brochure is on the Web site. A copy may also be obtained by calling the department at (540) 658-4871.

 

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