KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - Longer and warmer days mean that kids and adults are getting ready for fun in and around the water. To make sure this swimming season is a safe one, pools throughout the region are hosting April Pools Day events; most events are on Saturday, April 19.
“There is no better way to start off the swimming season than to focus on family fun, physical activity and ways to stay safe in the water,” said Dr. David Fleming, Director and Health Officer for Public Health - Seattle & King County.
Water safety is a serious health issue in King County and the region. According to records from the King County Medical Examiner, there were 24 preventable drowning deaths in King County in 2007. In 2006, there were 30 drowning fatalities and 17 hospitalizations in the county, and statewide there were 123 drowning fatalities and 46 hospitalizations.
News media are invited to Green Lake in Seattle for April Pools Day activities on Saturday, April 19:
- 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. During the “Fishing Kids” event, experts will be speaking about open water safety. There will be representatives from Children’s Hospital & Regional Medical Center, Seattle Parks and Recreation, Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, Seattle Fire Department and Public Health - Seattle & King County. Lifejackets will be on sale for the public. Location: West Green Lake Beach area near the Bathhouse Theatre, 7312 West Greenlake Dr.
- 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. The Evans Pool will celebrate April Pools Day, and the pool will have water safety experts present. Location: Green Lake Community Center, 7201 East Green Lake Drive N.
Saturday, April 19, 2008 is April Pools Day for most facilities in King County and Washington State. Events include swimming and water safety activities. This year, 44 pools in King County and around the state will take part in April Pools Day. List of participating facilities: www.metrokc.gov/health/injury/drowning.htm.
Water safety tips
- Swim only in designated areas with lifeguards.
- Always wear a life jacket or life vest when swimming or boating in lakes, rivers or Puget Sound.
- Have infants and children wear a life jacket or vest when in or near open water.
- Supervise children and teens when they are in or near all types of water, and stay close enough for immediate rescue.
- Do not drink alcohol around open water, and appoint sober adults to supervise children at beach or pool gatherings.
- Beware of fast-moving rivers, as the currents and cold temperatures can be extremely dangerous. Choose safer places to swim.
- Learn CPR.
More safety tips are available at www.metrokc.gov/health/injury/drowning.htm.
Providing effective and innovative health and disease prevention services for over 1.8 million residents and visitors of King County, Public Health – Seattle & King County works for safer and healthier communities for everyone, every day.
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