JULY/AUGUST 2003

Be Cool Around the Pool

he mercury’s rising and many of us are heading for a dip in the pool. But sadly, the Pasadena Fire Department reminds us, water can be dangerous. More than 4,000 people drown every year in the U.S. and there are hundreds of spinal cord injuries due to shallow water diving and slips on pool decks.

  Here are a few more eye-opening stats: Nearly 70% of children who have drowned were being supervised by a parent and 77% had been seen safely playing somewhere else just five minutes before being found in the pool. You can protect your own little swimmers by following these important tips:

  • Learn how to swim and be sure your child has taken lessons.

  • Learn CPR and first aid. In most cases, the person you save will be a friend or loved one. Check with the American Red Cross for classes in your neighborhood.

  • Keep your eyes on your child. Never do chores, yard work, chat with friends or talk on the phone when you’re on duty as your child’s lifeguard.

  • Never leave children unattended in a pool or bathtub, even if they are good swimmers.

  • Make sure your pool is adequately fenced  and covered. All entry gates should have self-closing latches.

  • Never run around a pool.

  • Never allow children to dive until you know how deep the water is first.

  • Poor swimmers should use properly fitting life jackets. Don’t rely on inflatable toys or rings for protection.

  • Always insist that children swim in approved areas and stay away from storm drains and flood control channels.

  • Teach your children how to call 9-1-1 for emergency help.

 
 Swimming is fun -- let’s keep it that way!

“A Moonlight Serenade” is the theme of this year’s celebration on the Colorado Street Bridge Saturday, July 12, from 6 to 11 p.m. featuring great music, special activities, food and more. Advance tickets are $10 for members and $12.50 for non-members, with half-price tickets for children ages 7 to 12. Proceeds benefit Pasadena Heritage. For more information visit www.pasadenaheritage.org or 441-6333.

Photo: Pasadena Heritage

Give Your Dog a Sterling Reputation

You hold your dog in high esteem. By following a few simple rules in the Pasadena Municipal Code, you can make sure your neighbors think highly of your precious pet, too.

  First, do your best to keep Fido quiet. Many dogs bark all day and annoy the neighborhood while their owners are at work. Pick up a book on dog training at Pasadena Public Library or a bookstore or try an obedience class. Neighbors who want to report an ongoing problem can now call 744-4241 during the day or 535-2200 after business hours. Serious problems may be handled by code enforcement officers or the courts.

  Next, be sure to pick up after your pet when you’re out and about. Buy a scooper at the pet store or use an old plastic grocery bag to clean up droppings anywhere they fall, then drop the bag in a trash can. The code requires pet owners to pick up droppings within five minutes to make sure they don’t pollute our sidewalks or make their way out to sea through a storm drain.

 Finally, invest in a good, strong leash no longer than six feet and use it every time you go out. It’s the law and it could keep your pet – or a passerby – from being seriously hurt.

  For more dog care tips and a list of classes, visit www.phsspca.org or call the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA at 792-7151.