By this, we mean, if there is a certain locker where you are supposed to put your shoes, clothes, etc. then do it. Don’t leave them by the pool. This can result in hazards for other swimmers, a stolen pair of shoes, and a trashy poolside.

We’re not referring to acne here, but rather, caked on faces. No matter how good your makeup, when submerged in chlorined water, the paint will run. So, for best results, keep your face clean this summer before diving in!

This is more than common courtesy. It’s also a good way to prevent an accident. Rule number one of sharing a pool is to be aware of those around you. So each time, before you take your dive, make sure no one is lurking down below.

This may seem elementary, but you’d be surprised how many adults still relieve themselves in public pools. To prevent this, encourage your kids, teens, and other party members to use the restroom before they take the dive.

This rule will be enforced by most lifeguards, but why make their job harder? If you want to roughouse in the water, try a river or lake. As for public pools, keep the play light and don’t get anyone else invloved.

We’ve already mentioned straying away from horseplay, but we should also add it’s important to respect strangers in the pool. If friends agree to play around, then have at it. But as far as strangers go, it’s best to give them space of at least a few feet when possible.

This may seem like a no-brainer, but tennis shoes and boots can mold and mildew when wet. When visiting the pool, it is best to wear sandals or flip-flips in order to avoid bacteria setting up in your shoes.

Everyone knows that they should wear sunscreen, but not everyone knows just how much. Dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, which blocks 97 percent of the sun’s UVB rays. You should also reapply every two hours when outdoors.

Sorry guys, but this is just bad manners. Cannonballs are dangerous in public pools for many reasons. The biggest of all being the rude splash that comes along with it.

This is really for your own good. No lifeguard wants to see someone risk drowning over a painful belly flop. Keep it simple when taking the plunge, don’t take up the space of the flop or endanger yourself.

It’s true that water in the pool doesn’t exactly have a natural current, but people do. If everyone is swimming in a certain direction, don’t be the guy who goes salmon on everyone and goes against the grain.

No matter your age, and no matter which lifeguard is on duty, it’s important that you never swim alone. It’s true that at times, it’s hard to find a friend to bring along, but when possible, grab someone to keep an eye out for you.

You may be the strongest swimmer around, but that doesn’t mean you will never need a lifeguard’s help. These professionals have floats, throws, and stretchers at any given time in order to save you from yourself or others. Stay where they can see you.

This one is for those teenage kids who just can’t help themselves. Whenever you see a jet, filter, or other pool accessory, please leave it alone. Not only can you cause it to malfunction, but you can also get extremities caught!

This tip is primarily for private pool parties. While public pools have lifeguards who know CPR, private parties suffer from lack of professionals. If you can rally a few friends who are excellent swimmers and know CPR, then you’re ahead of the game.

The whole “no swimming after eating thing” is slightly outdated. However, there is a new rule of thumb. Everyone eats at the same time. That doesn’t mean the entire public pool, but rather, the entire party. This keeps everyone together and prevents stray party members from swimming alone.

You may think that since you are submerged in water that you won’t dehydrate. But the truth of the matter is that people tend to drink less water while swimming, which can result in dehyration! So remember to pack a water bottle!

There’s not much more rude than someone who blasts their music at a public place. The pool is no exception. If you want to listen to music at the poolside, cool, but wear headphones.

I hate to break it to you, but the pool is not a modeling competition. Chances are, the more comfortable you are, the more fun you’ll have. While it isn’t necessary that you swim completely covered, if you can find something that doesn’t need adjusting every two minutes, you’ll be surprised the difference it makes.

Everyone can agree that it’s quite annoying when someone splashing you at the pool. Most of the time, it’s a kid whose parent isn’t watching him. How can you help? Make sure that you, and everyone traveling with you, shows respect to those around them.

Before taking that descent, it’s important that you know whether you are diving into five-foot water or twelve-foot water. While you may do fine in both of them, knowing will change the way that you dive.

Teach them what exactly? Well, first and foremest, to swim! Swimming lessons is one of the best investments a parent can make. A child that knows how to swim is much less likely to have accidents at the pool.

Even after giving a child swimming lessons, you should never leave them unattended. Even after they get older! Children who can’t swim should wear a life jacket, but those who can should be monitored. There is still a high drowning rate in chldren 12-16!

This rule goes for those swimming in training pools. Just like when driving, it’s important for swimmers to stay in your lane, especially when the pool is packed. Swimming around and under is unacceptable.

Unclipped nails are a hazard to everyone, even yourself. Swimming with long nails can pop floatation devices, cut others, and slow you down altogether.

Not you, of course! Your baby! No one wants that diaper exploding and floating around them. To be courteous to both your baby and strangers, invest in swimming diapers for the occasion.

This is one of the only things that should keep you from swimming completely. If you have an infection of any kind, stay away from public pools. Infecting others isn’t cool. Have an open wound that is clean? Wrap it good and go for it!

There’s a reason most public pools have showers. It’s not for after, it’s for before. It’s important that you don’t jump in the pool with body oils, grime, and bacteria. A quick rinse is all it takes to get rid of most of this.

People thing eating is the number one cause of cramps. But the fact is that jumping in before your ready is much more likely. Before jumping in, it’s best to do a few stretches. And don’t go for the deep end right off. Take it easy and do a few strokes where you can touch bottom first.

As important as warming up is, breathing is even more important. To practice any type of breathing, you breathe in with your nose and out with your mouth. Do a few deep breaths before entering the pool.

Everyone knows you shouldn’t swallow pool water, but some people still keep their mouth agape while submerged. This allows tons of germs and bacteria to make theirselves at home in your mouth. Ick!

According to Daily Burn, “First, practice on dry land. Take a deep breath in through your mouth and start to slowly exhale through your nose. As you do, hum, suggests Bay. “If you hum while you breathe out of your nose, it’ll help you maintain a proper pace — you’re forced to do it slowly rather than rush through it,” he says. The next step: breathing in the water. After you take your breath and have your face in the water, work on slowly exhaling — again, through your nose — and then lift your face out of the water when it’s naturally time to do so.”

While there are usually lifeguards on duty, it would do you good to learn CPR for those around you. Classes are cheap and only take a few hours. It’s an investment you will never regret.

Even though sunglasses aren’t ideal in the pool, they aren’t the only option. UVA blocking goggles can do a lot of good. Shielding your eyes is a health-concious chose that will even help you relax.

No need to use so much energy while swimming! Linsey Corbin, CLIF triathlete “Keep in mind that swimming utilizes your whole body,” says Corbin. “Most people make the mistake of believing it’s just a workout for your upper body.”