THE mercury is rising in Wagga and so too are pool sales as residents rush to beat the heat this summer.
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A 40 degree weekend is forecast for the city after a late start to spring weather, and Wagga's Freedom Pools have seen business boom in preparation.
But as with most recreational activities, there are risks, and Wagga Swim Club coach Gennadiy Labara is urging people to stay safe.
The key to poolside safety was being prepared.
"Swimming is so important, and equally as important to learn from a young age," Mr Labara said.
"If you know the basics of keeping your head above water, you will feel more comfortable so as to not panic or stress, because often, that's what leads to drowning."
The swim coach said there were a few basics to consider.
"The main things to understand is how to breath, like using bubbles effectively underwater and how to come up for air, then how to kick and keep up a basic stroke, as well as hopping in the actual pool safely," Mr Labara said.
"Learn how to float too, everyone has different balance so it all depends on the person but a star position is generally great to stay afloat."
While many parents take it upon themselves to teach their little ones how to swim, Mr Labara encouraged people to seek professional lessons for their children.
"As a parent, you will each teach your child differently, and while it might be okay, it's better to learn from a professional who is paid to specifically focus on your child's swimming and technique," he said.
"The child can be taught step by step in a safe environment to give them the best start in the water."
The same sentiment was shared by Freedom Pools' Alexis Pollard.
"Kids can drown in the smallest amount of water, so it is so important that they be taught how to swim properly and go to swimming lessons with a professional," she said.
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Ms Pollard said sales had skyrocketed in recent weeks, and urged those installing new pools or updating old pools to know the regulations around safety.
"Sales keep picking up increasingly over the last two weeks in store, it's gotten crazy," she said.
"People need to remember that CPR signs are a legal requirement and so important, but also that they have proper fencing and a spring loaded gate.
"If it isn't a self-closing gate, it can be easy for kids or even pets to get in if someone forgets to close it properly, or even get out too and go near roads or other dangers."
The rise in sales has kept council busy as development applications for swimming pools also jumped.
Wagga City Council has received a total of 23 applications that include 'pool' in their development description between October 1 and November 23.
For all up-to-date fencing and safety requirements around pools in NSW, click here.