SANFORD, Fla. — It's not just humans who are swimming to escape the heat this summer. One alligator wanted to join in the summer fun.

• 3 ft gator found in Sanford community pool
• Transferred from pool to Lake Jesup
• FWC has guidelines on what to do if you see a gator

The gator was found earlier this week in Wyndham Preserve's community pool.

It was only about three feet, but caused quite a scare for one of the people who found it.

"Because I was the one that called, I had to keep eyes on this alligator for an hour – and I am scared to death of alligators," said Sanford resident Noelle Lamonthe.

A wildlife trapper eventually retrieved the alligator out of the pool and transferred it to nearby gator-populated Lake Jesup.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Officials say alligators under four feet rarely pose a threat to people unless you try to handle them.

Here are five things to know if you spot a gator nearby:

1) If you see an alligator, keep your distance and never feed them.

2) Gators become more visible when the weather warms up.

3) When temperatures rise, alligators' metabolism increases so they getting hungrier and seek more prey.

4) Alligators are most active between dusk and dawn.

5) Keep their pets on a leash and away from the water because pets can resemble alligators natural prey.