Pools rule

In a region shaped by its waterways, logic should dictate that most residents know how to swim and are familiar with the rules of water safety. But that’s not always the case, as evidenced by the number of accidents and drownings that occur in the Puget Sound area each year.

That’s where April Pools Day comes in. Since 1993 pools around the state have been hosting the Washington State Drowning Prevention Network program aimed at educating families about water safety. Over the next two weekends public pools in Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace, Shoreline and Bothell will offer lifejacket fittings, water safety demonstrations and skills practice, recreational swims and water games. Many APD events feature prize giveaways donated by local sponsors.

The Lynnwood pool joined the program early on, after offering a water safety carnival of its own for about ten years, according to Sarah Kane-Olson, Events and Marketing Supervisor for the city of Lynnwood’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department. “The power in a coordinated event is that we can deliver a more powerful message,” Olson said.

That message is “Know the Water, Know your Limits.”

April Pools Day’s timing aims to get its drowning prevention message out just before the opening of boating and swimming season to help curb drownings during the “peak” drowning months of the year. “Washington has so many danger spots, but most drownings occur during the warm summer months — and are preventable,” Olson said.

One of April Pools Day’s most consistently popular activities is the lifejacket fitting and boating station. Participants learn how to select a lifejacket or personal floation device (PFD) for the right fit and if it will function properly once in the water. With lifejackets equipped, students can practice getting in and out of a kayak, canoe, or rowboat in the pool.

While water safety demonstrations and “hands on” practice are the primary emphasis of April Pools Day, each participating pool can adapt the program to fit their community’s needs. At the Shoreline Pool, activities will also include scuba and snorkeling tips, river and ocean current safety and mat and innertube relays, plus a cannonball and rope swing contest. The Shoreline Fire Department will be in attendance to lead a CPR demonstration.

Interest in the program continues to grow. In 2006, the program saw more than 3,700 adults and children participate at 38 facilities, up more than 1,300 in 2005. Olson attributes the success of the program to offering both education and recreation for the whole family. “Parents that participate with their kids get a lot of hands on information and learn skills to keep their family safe while swimming,” Olson said.