SCHENECTADY– With Memorial Day right around the corner, children will be spending more time outside and likely planning to enjoy local pools. The Schenectady Jewish Community Center’s (SJCC) outdoor pool is opening May 24, and it is offering outdoor summer memberships.

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Children and parents need to be aware of safety tips before diving in.

The SJCC’s Aquatic Director, Dan Furman, is a water safety instructor, certified lifeguard instructor, and a certified pool operator. He has provided several tips to keep you and your family safe at any pool.

1. “Swim as a Pair with a Lifeguard There” — American Red Cross Longfellow’s WHALE Tales.Never swim alone and try to swim where there is a certified lifeguard present.

2. “Play it Smart at Your Home, Pool or Park” —American Red Cross Longfellow’s WHALE Tales. There are some rules that apply to all bodies of water but then there are specific rules to different locations.

3. 3.Weather —Weather can affect many parts of swimming outdoors. Pool water can become colder with rain and wind. Too much sun can lead to sunburn and heat illnesses. Lightning can cause dangerous situations.

4. Know the depths. If you are not a strong swimmer stay where you can stand and look for depth markers so you know you will not enter deeper water.

5. Know what to do in an emergency — Who to contact? What to say? Where to go? How to act?

Information about the SJCC pool may be obtained by calling the Center at 518-377-8803, www.schenectadyjcc.org or www.facebook.com/SchenectadyJCC