Media Contact Only: John A. Stokes, (202) 673-2195
DPR Customer Service: (202) 673-7647, DPR Aquatics: (202) 671-1289

With DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) pools and spray parks open across the District for the summer and the Independence Day holiday weekend, DPR wants to remind all adults, children, youth, and families to swim safe this summer.  Please review and follow these important pool safety tips and rules from DPR and Safe Kids USA. 

Locations and hours of DPR pools and spray parks is available in the "Aquatics" section of DPR's website, dpr.dc.gov, or by calling DPR Aquatics at (202) 671-1289.

Water Safety Tips from Safe Kids USA:

• Never take your eyes off of children in the pool - even for a moment! If you’re in a group, appoint a designated “water watcher,” taking turns with other adults.
• While supervising, stay alert and avoid distractions like reading or the telephone.
• Teach children to swim after age 4.
• Teach children how to tread water, float and get out of the pool.
• Tell children to stay away from pool and hot tub drains.
• Tie up long hair securely to guard against drain entanglement.
• Don’t rely on water wings or other inflatable toys. If your child can’t swim, stay within an arm’s reach.
• Never dive in water less than nine feet deep.
• If you find a drain cover that is loose, report it immediately, and do not enter the pool.
• Learn infant and child CPR.
• Look for lifesaving equipment by the pool.

More water safety tips are available online from Safe Kids USA or by calling (202) 662-0600.

Rules for DPR Pools and Spray Parks:

• Children under the age of 13 cannot enter the premises by themselves; they must be accompanied and supervised by someone over 18 years old at all times.  
• Anyone under the age of 6 inside the pool must be accompanied by someone over the age of 18 inside the pool.  
• Appropriate swimming apparel is required in and around the pool.
• No pets allowed on pool premises. 
• Those with open wounds, rashes, nasal discharge, inflamed eyes or wearing bandages will not be allowed in the pool.
• Those suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be barred from the premises. 
• Toddlers must have on diapers covered by tight fitting rubber pants while in the pool.
• Food, beverages, and glass containers are prohibited in the locker room and pool area.
• Protect your valuables.  DPR is not responsible for lost items.
• You must soap and shower before entering pool.
• No videotaping or photography in locker room, showers or pool area.
• No swimming when lifeguard is not on duty.
• No horseplay, running or pushing on deck.
• No diving into pool in shallow end.
• No lifejackets, floating devices, or play apparatus allowed in pool.