APRIL POOLS DAY APRIL 17, 2010 The American Red Cross Serving King & Kitsap Counties, in partnership with the Drowning Prevention Network of Washington State, Washington Parks and Recreation Association and Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center, will present the 17th Annual “April Pools Day” on April 17, 2010.  It is a tremendous event for the entire family. In addition to water safety instruction, pools offer free swim time, demonstrations and games. "April Pools Day is a wonderful family activity in your local community.  You can learn how to be safe in and around the water, indoors and out!" says Amy Collins, Aquatics Assistant Supervisor with Lynnwood Parks and Recreation. “We hope parents and their children will learn important life-long water safety skills and be better prepared for the upcoming warm weather season, when drowning happens most often.” Activities will take place at over 30 participating city, county, YMCA and private pools in Washington State.  Families will learn drowning prevention strategies, proper life-jacket fitting and use, basic self-help skills and rescue in an aquatic emergency.  These events are free to the public and designed to teach children primary swimming and drowning prevention skills. Know the Water, Know Your Limits, Wear a Life Jacket!   Swimming Child Photo Credit: Just Us 3  Swimming Pool Photo Credit: Jon Fravel

DOWNLOAD A LIST OF  PARTICIPATING POOLS   To stay safe in the water: Know the water, know your limits and wear a lifejacket. Swim only in designated areas with lifeguards. Always wear a life jacket or 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. Washington law requires children twelve years old and younger to wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket or vest on all vessels less than nineteen feet. Supervise children and teens when they are in or near all types of water. Appoint sober adults to supervise children at beach or pool gatherings. Ensure supervisors are close enough to provide immediate rescue to children in need. Do not drink alcohol around open water. Be especially careful when swimming, boating, tubing, or rafting in fast-moving rivers. The currents and cold temperatures can be extremely dangerous.   Many times the best decision is to not enter the water. Make sure all family members know how to swim. Learn CPR.