Community Corner
More than 200 Santeeans Beat the Heat at the Fire Department's "April Pools Day"
Free swimming at the Aquatics Center gave the firefighters a chance to teach some pool safety- lots of photos!
The Santee Fire Department held its 7th annual event on Saturday at the at the . The event is traditionally held the last Saturday in April and helps kick off the summer season by promoting water safety and drowning prevention awareness.
The month of May is typically a time when families step outside and take their first dip in the backyard . Unfortunately, the month of May has historically signaled the beginning of a season of drowning tragedies across the United States.
Whether it’s a backyard or community pool, local lake, river, or beach, the danger of drowning is present whenever families spend time beside the water. The National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA) nationally recognizes May as “National Drowning Prevention Month." In a collaborative effort, organizations across the country participate in events promoting water safety and drowning prevention. The Santee Fire Department recognizes and celebrates the vital role that swimming and aquatic-related activities play in our community by co-hosting an annual drowning prevention and water safety event.
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This year’s event proved to be another tremendous success. With perfect East County weather, over 200 people stepped through the gates of the Santee Aquatics Center and enjoyed free swimming and numerous water safety related activities. Several organizations were on hand to distribute important water safety material to the adults in attendance while their children enjoyed the YMCA’s water slide and play structure.
A few of the highlights this year included Fin 2 Swim’s aquatic infant survival technique demonstration, and a new crowd favorite, “Swim with a Navy SEAL”. The U.S. and SWCC Scout Team generously provided an actual SEAL team member to assist kids with various water safety techniques, including swim with a buddy, properly donning a lifejacket, treading water, and the combat sidestroke.
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The day’s activities closed with the and YMCA Lifeguards teaming up to perform a mock rescue drill while the crowd gathered to witness first hand our community’s first responders in action.
A special thanks to The Santee Aquatics Center at the Cameron Family YMCA, American Red Cross, U.S. Navy SEAL and SWCC Scout Team, Fin 2 Swim, IPSSA, and the San Diego Aquatics Council for helping to make this year’s event successful.
