With temperatures climbing over 100 degrees last week, the Harry Baker Swim Complex at Yosemite High School was a popular gathering spot.

According to Jennifer LeForge, site supervisor for Swim America, the company that contracts with the school district to run the summer swim program, more than 1,000 adults and children visited the pool last week.

"More adults and children than ever are taking advantage of the summer swim program here at Yosemite High," LeForge said.

Swim America offers infant through adult swim lessons by certified coaches, water aerobics 9-10 a.m. and 5:30-6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and lap swimming during recreational swimming hours noon to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 6 p.m. Saturday. The cost for water aerobics and recreational swimming is $4 per day or $10 per week. The program ends Aug. 18.

Details: (559) 324-SWIM.

American Red Cross urges precautions against the heat.

Everyone is at risk when temperatures rise above 90 degrees and the elderly and the very young are most susceptible to heat and heat-related illnesses. Signs of heatrelated illnesses include nausea, dizziness, flushed or pale skin, heavy sweating and headaches.

Persons with heat-related illness should be moved to a cool place, given cool water to drink and ice packs or cool wet cloths should be applied to the skin. If a victim refuses water, vomits or loses consciousness, call 911 immediately.

Red Cross Heat Wave Safety Tips

Prepare. Discuss heat safety precautions with members of your household. Have a plan for what to do if the power goes out.

Dress for the heat. Wear loose-ftting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun's rays. It is also a good idea to wear hats or to use an umbrella.

Stay hydrated. Carry water or juice and drink continuously even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine, which dehydrate the body.

Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4 and 7 a.m. and take frequent breaks.

Stay indoors when possible. If air-conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest foor out of the sunshine.

Be a good neighbor. During heat waves, check in on family, friends and neighbors who are elderly or ill and those who do not have air conditioning. Also check on animals frequently.

General care for heat emergencies

Heat exhaustion: Get the person to a cooler place and have him/her rest in a comfortable position. If the person is fully awake and alert, give half a glass of cool water every 15 minutes, and have the person drink slowly. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths to the skin. Fan the person. Call 911 if the person refuses water, vomits or loses consciousness.

Heat stroke: Heat stroke is a life-threatening situation. Help is needed fast. Call 911. Move the person to a cooler place.

Details: Central Valley Red Cross region, (559) 455-1000 or visit redcross.org.