Now that summer is officially here and the school year has come to a close, Newtown residents will undoubtedly be frequenting Treadwell Park's outdoor pool and Eichler's Cove more often to beat the heat.newtown-ct.gov.newtown-ct.gov and select the Parks and Recreation link.

With water safety always a top priority, Newtown's Parks and Recreation's Waterfront Director Carolyn Fagerholm shares how lifeguards in town prepare for their job and gives helpful tips for how swimmers can stay safe.

Ms Fagerholm and the 39 other lifeguards that Parks and Recreation employs qualify for the position after receiving their lifeguarding and waterfront certification through the Red Cross. Recertification is required every two years, to ensure they are up to date on modifications made to life-saving techniques, like CPR.

After completing their certification, lifeguards continue to hone their skills in extensive training sessions that include mock drowning scenarios.

Ms Fagerholm, along with her senior guards and assistant waterfront director, leads the sessions.

"You want it to be muscle memory. The more you practice, the better," she said.

There are, however, certain safety issues to be aware of that are specific to the town cove versus the town pool.

"At Eichler's Cove we have to be aware of the drop-off," Ms Fagerholm explained.

Since the cove was originally used as a marina for boats, the depth varies more drastically compared to the gradual decline of the town pool, which goes from three feet in the main section to 12 feet around the diving boards.

Ms Fagerholm recommends swimmers ask the lifeguard where the dip is if they are unsure or new to swimming in the cove.

Lifeguards on duty at the cove can be found on the raised chairs on the beach or located in the white shed when off duty. Occasionally, they can also be positioned on a surfboard, with a rescue tube, out on the water when swimmers are spread out.

At Treadwell pool, on duty lifeguards are also very accessible and are stationed in the chairs around the pool. If swimmers have questions, guards can also be found behind the large windows facing out to the pool.

Ms Fagerholm explains visibility and communication between lifeguards and swimmers is key.

"Whenever I am in the chair, I try to scan the area and make a note of everyone's swimming ability. If there is somebody who isn't doing well, I keep an eye on them and check in," she said.

At the pool, there are common safety issues, like people running around the pool deck, which lifeguards see and step in to correct on a regular basis.

Another area that causes lifeguards to be extra diligent is the potential safety concern around the diving board.

"Big things we watch for is making sure all the kids wait until the person who has gone off in front of them has swum off to the side before they jump," Ms Fagerholm said. "We also make sure no one is doing anything dangerous like flips or going off backwards."

The boards have been resurfaced this summer to reduce the risk of slips.

For swimmers new to the pool and cove, Ms Fagerholm reminds parents, "Inflatable water wings are not Red Cross approved, because they can pop or slip off. Instead, we have life jackets that we loan out to the public.

"They are a good tool to use when your child is learning how to swim," she continued. "They are like training wheels for swimmers."

Ms Fagerholm has three tips for parents and swimmers who want to be proactive about water safety: listen to the lifeguards, read the rules posted around the deck to familiarize yourself with the safety requirements, and sign kids up for swim lessons.

"Swim lessons are always good. I think it is a life skill and is important to learn for safety. Not everyone has to be an Olympian, but to be able to be comfortable in a pool area is important."

If residents are interested in signing their children up for swim lessons, the Newtown Parks and Recreation Department offers classes for a range of ages and experience levels. Upcoming classes can be found on the Parks and Recreation website at

For those who are planning to swim at the town cove or pool, residents and nonresidents need a parking permit, which can be obtained online or at the Parks and Recreation office. There is no permit charge for Newtown residents.

Treadwell pool and Eichler's Cove beach hours for June 20 to August 22 are 11 to 8 pm on Monday and Wednesday; 11 to 7 pm on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday; and 10 to 7 pm on Saturday and Sunday.

For more information about Treadwell Park's pool and Eichler's Cove, including a comprehensive list of rules and regulations, visit