Tips to stay safe while swimming this Memorial Day

SAN ANTONIO — Memorial Day is setting up to be a hot one and in celebration of the holiday, many will head to the water to cool off.

But trips to the pool or river can turn tragic if people aren’t careful while swimming. We talk about this not to scare you, but to remind you that drownings are preventable.

However, when the weather warms up – so does the number of swimming accidents.

And there are multiple ways to stay safe if you’re heading to the water to cool off, including the beach, pools, lakes and rivers.

Many will head to the Comal River in New Braunfels for it’s popular tubing.

For the influx of swimmers expected, Parks and Recreation Director Chad Donegan says the city has hired more lifeguards.

In addition to tubes, they also offer personal floation devices for those who want it.

“We would also suggest that if you are not a strong swimmer that you utilize our lifejacket program,” said Donegan. “We have free lifejackets.”

It’s also worth designating a “watcher” when children are near the water. In my family, this is my mother. For you, it may be your father or a trusted friend.

Also look for water safety features around bodies of water.

This could be pool fences, first aid kits, or alarms because all of those could help prevent a drowning.

And lastly, taking swimming lessons will be the easiest way to learn how to be around the water.

If you’re ready to jump in, there are several locations open in San Antonio to swim. Some pools are even free to get in.

• Dellview 210-609-1186
• Heritage 210-645-9465
• Kingsborough 210-609-8705
• Lady Bird Johnson 210-609-3669
• Lincoln 210-621-5104
• Roosevelt 210-620-7230
• San Pedro Springs 210-732-5992
• Spring Time 210-609-0045
• Southside Lions 210-609-8097
• Westwood 210-609-6214
• Woodlawn Lake 210-609-9511

Learn more about KENS 5:

Since going on the air in 1950, KENS 5 has strived to be the best, most trusted news and entertainment source for generations of San Antonians.

KENS 5 has brought numerous firsts to South Texas television, including being the first local station with a helicopter, the first with its own Doppler radar and the first to air a local morning news program.

Over the years, KENS 5 has worked to transform local news. Our cameras have been the lens bringing history into local viewers’ homes. We’re proud of our legacy as we serve San Antonians today.

Today, KENS 5 continues to set the standard in local broadcasting and is recognized by its peers for excellence and innovation. The KENS 5 News team focuses on stories that really matter to our community.

You can find KENS 5 in more places than ever before, including KENS5.com, the KENS 5 app, the KENS 5 YouTube channel, KENS 5’s Roku and Fire TV apps, and across social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and more!

Want to get in touch with someone at KENS 5? You can send a message using our Contacts page or email one of our team members.