There’s nothing quite like a cool swim on a hot day and TriCounty Health Department has tips for swimming this summer to stay safe while having fun. David Koons, TriCounty Health Environmental Health Scientist, visited the Evans Family Media studios this week with lots of great information on the topic. If you have a pool or spa make sure your chemical levels are safe. One of the best things you can do for water safety with kids is to get them in swimming lessons. For little ones, always have a Coast Guard approved life vest on them that keeps their head above water. If you are responsible to watch the kids while they swim, do not be distracted. Stay off your phone. Don’t read a book. Don’t play games. Drowning is often silent. A kid can get a mouth full of water and they are gone and out of sight. It takes just a second for them to go under. Finally, Koons offered the reminder that when swimming in the lake you can get in trouble fast. At the lake early in the season and even late this season, the water is cold. Always jump in feet first. Do not swim alone and always swim sober.