Go Swim, Georgia!
Go Swim, Georgia:
Cool off, swim safely in Georgia waters
Atlanta, May 20, 2010 – As the heat of summer approaches and more people head outside, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages families to get outdoors and “Go Swim!” Whether you are splashing in a creek, jumping off a dock or swimming at a state park beach, Georgia has plenty of places for you to cool off.
“Swimming has always been a popular way for families to enjoy summertime,” said DNR Commissioner Chris Clark. “There are many swimming opportunities in our state parks and on Georgia lakes and rivers. But we encourage everyone to make sure they’re safe when they’re in the water.”
Stay cool and save money
Georgia’s state parks have more than 20 swimming beaches and pools where visitors can cool off this summer. For just a $5 parking fee, visitors can spend the entire day at a sandy lakeside beach while soaking in some of the state’s most relaxing scenery. Beaches have no lifeguards, so swimmers are strongly urged to stay within boundary ropes marking off the swimming areas. Some of the most popular lakeside beaches are at Vogel, John Tanner, Seminole, Unicoi, Hard Labor Creek, Fort Mountain and Richard B. Russell state parks.
Swimmers who prefer an aqua-blue pool can visit High Falls, Victoria Bryant and Magnolia Springs state parks, and those who love history can take a chilly dip in the spring-fed Liberty Bell Pool at F.D. Roosevelt State Park. A small fee is charged and lifeguards are provided. Most pools are open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. However, days of operation vary, so swimmers should call ahead before visiting. Overnight lodge guests at George T. Bagby and Little Ocmulgee state parks can enjoy the lodge pools for no additional fee. These pools do not have lifeguards.
To quickly see which state parks have swimming beaches or pools, visit http://www.gastateparks.org/content/georgia/pdf/2010chart.pdf.
Remember Safety First When Swimming
Accidents happen all too often, so DNR encourages everyone to practice safety at all times when in and around the water. Some swimming safety tips include:
- Take a swimming course.
- Never swim alone. If you are a marginal swimmer, wear a flotation device.
- Don’t mix alcohol or drugs when swimming.
- Never let children swim unsupervised.
- Keep life jackets accessible and never make someone feel uncomfortable if they choose to wear a life jacket.
- Don’t swim when you are too tired, too cold or too far from safety.
- Don’t swim beyond marked boundaries at swimming beaches.
- Always be aware of the possibilities of hidden dangers such as underwater obstacles, changing currents and underwater drop-offs.
- When you find yourself in a stressful situation, don’t panic. If in non-flowing water, float or “dog-paddle” to safety. If in flowing water, float with the current and don’t fight against it.
Prevention and common sense can help prevent water-related tragedies. To learn more about water safety, visit the Red Cross at www.redcross.org.
“Go Swim, Georgia” is the latest in a series of outdoor adventure tips from DNR Commissioner Clark that highlight affordable getaways, outdoor activities close to home, and creative ways to support conservation in Georgia. The series is part of DNR’s “Get Outdoors, Georgia” initiative, which encourages citizens to lead healthy, active lifestyles in the great outdoors and includes hiking, biking and paddling clubs, as well as outdoor events.
[Source: Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites, Dept. of Natural Resources.]
# # #
Safe Kids Bike Rodeo
Safe Kids Columbus, Columbus Health Dept, & the Columbus Police Dept
present:
13th Annual Bike Rodeo
Saturday, May 1, 2010
10 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Children ages 14 and under are invited to the Columbus Public Library for the 13th annual Bike Rodeo. We’ll have a helmet fitting station, Bike inpection station, Obstacles (safe riding lessons), Bike security, and door prizes!
FREE helmets for all children 14 and under
“while supplies last”
Location: Columbus Public Library, 3000 Macon Road, Columbus
Info: (706) 321-6183
Outdoor Skills class at FDR State Park
Come learn all about surviving in the great outdoors at FDR State Park.
Saturday, Oct 3, 2009 @ 7:00 p.m.
Outdoor skills are fun, practical and build confidence in the woods. Learning skills will not only enhance your present outdoor experiences, but the hands on approach will provide a huge advantage in an emergency situation.
Some of the topics include: “What to do when lost”, “Trees and plants and their uses”, “friction fire making” and more!
Location: FDR State Park amphitheater in the picnic area
Cost: The campfire talk is free; however, a $5.00 state park parking pass is required.
Info: Call 706-663-4858 or click here.
FREE Child Booster Seat Event
Does your child weigh between 40-100 lbs? Is she under 4’9” tall? If yes, she needs to use a Booster Seat when riding in a vehicle. Come have your booster seat checked by a Trained Professional.
September 25, 2009, 3:00- 5:00 PM
SafeKids Columbus will be performing safety checks and giving out FREE booster seats at Wal-Mart on Gateway Rd in Columbus. To have your booster seat checked, the following conditions MUST be met:
- *Your child MUST be present.
- *Vehicle MUST have lap/shoulder belts in the back seat.
Single cab trucks must have Lap/shoulder belts and air bag off
switch. - *Every child in vehicle MUST be seated in vehicle and be able to be
buckled in seatbelt. - *Parent & child must remain in vehicle.
- *Education on the proper use of booster seat will be provided.
- *If child’s booster seat is unsafe, booster seat will be available on
site. - *If your child does not have a booster seat, booster seat will be
available on site. - *Child must be within booster seat height/weight requirements.
For More Information, Call Safe Kids Columbus, 706-321-6183, or visit website www.safekidscolumbusga.com
