I’m sure I’m not the only one excited at the prospect of our pool opening this May 4th! I am looking forward to seeing many of my neighbors at the pool, and with their kids. Pool season in our neighborhood is very special and we are lucky to have this amenity that we all share. Here’s a short video clip from a previous year, and yes I’m a big kid too when at the pool! (click image to play video)
That being said, I’ll offer this PSA so we can all be safe and maximize the shared fun. Here are some tips to make the most of this pool season:
- Don’t let others tailgate – kindly ask folks to use their fob for entry at the gates, even if you know the person. The HOA has cameras at the pool and if they see tailgating, or letting others in, they may shut down the pool – this was mentioned in a past correspondence with our management company.
- No Lifeguards! – Parents should always accompany young children and keep them in constant eyesight. It only takes a split second for a child to slip under the water and drown. Always use the “Buddy System” – even if you’re an adult. Don’t swim alone.
- Leave glass containers at home – a cut foot can ruin a fun day.
- If you can hear it, it’s close enough – Hearing thunder is a good telltale sign that lightning is close by. Safety guidelines suggest that it is only safe to re-enter after 30 minutes after the last strike/thunder. You can also get real time lightning and UV alerts on your mobile device by using our neighborhood Weather Watchdog. Data is measured right here in Bridgeberry, and alerts go out immediately. See this post on how to subscribe to the Weather Watchdog. You’ll be in the know about dangerous UV and approaching lightning.
- If you bring food – please don’t eat it in or near the pool. Nobody likes wet pizza!
- Lost something? – Remember to check the “Lost Bin”.
- Avoid going home looking like a lobster – Seriously, I’ve seen so many people at the pool who look as red as raw ground beef. Just looking at you in this state is enough to feel pain, and I’m sure you’ll regret it too. Watch the UV levels at the Trautz Lane Weather Station or subscribe to real time UV and weather alerts from the Weather Watchdog. Save your precious skin, skin cancer is no joke!
- Don’t Be An Animal – it should go without saying that there are available bathrooms at the pool. Don’t do your business in the pool, and pass this advice to your kids to use the rest rooms. Nobody likes those kinds of “water sports”.
- Report Damage – If you see damage in or around the pool, take a photo of it and email it to Nick at Elite Management. Don’t forget to CC the homeowner’s email distro so that everyone can be informed, and visibility is maintained on the issue. Reporting damage/issues in a timely manner can help prevent more costly repairs if left unreported/unchecked. You can get the homeowner’s distro email address from a neighbor (not posting it here to prevent spam). If you don’t have Nick’s email address, here it is: [email protected]
