Summer is here, which means families and children around the country are enjoying time at pools and water parks to cool off and have fun.
To improve pool and spa safety, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission launched a public safety campaign “Pool Safely: Simple Steps to Save Lives” in an effort to reduce childhood drownings, submersion injuries and entrapments.
Katy Aquatics, a local, nonprofit swim club, has become a local partner of the Pool Safely campaign and will host a water safety event in support of encouraging the Katy community to “pool safely” every day.
As a local host of Pool Safely, Katy Aquatics will be conducting free swim lessons and water safety presentations. Additional activities will include face painting and pictures with Bob the Water Safety Dog from the US Army Corps of Engineers.
The public is invited to the event on Thursday, July 26 at the Cinco Ranch High School Natatorium. Activities will begin at 5 p.m.
Those interested in participating are encouraged to register at www.katyaquatics.org under “Pool Safety Day.”
The first 50 children registered for the free swim lesson will also receive a free goody bag. All children will receive a free water safety book for participating.
Drowning is a leading cause of death for children younger than five, and the CPSC estimates that each year nearly 300 children drown and more than 3,200 end up in hospital emergency rooms because of submersion injuries.
Pool safety includes staying close to children in a pool or spa, constantly watching children in and around the water, knowing life-saving skills like CPR and installing safety equipment in and around the pool. Those few simple steps can save lives and assure a safe, fun experience around water.
