Downey officials encourage pool safety

DOWNEY – In an effort to promote pool safety and help prevent child drownings this summer, the City of Downey has officially proclaimed July 14- July 20 as Pool Safely Week. This pool safely campaign, led by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, aims at keeping children safe this swimming season and throughout the year.

The city plans to make pool safety a priority by advocating simple water safety steps to members of the public through a variety of marketing materials, which will be distributed at upcoming community events, swimming activities, and city facilities. Outreach material will also be available online through the city’s website and social media sites.

A special proclamation was presented at the Downey City Council meeting held Tuesday in honor of Pool Safely Week. Mayor Fernando Vasquez and Lee Clifton with the International Code Council, an association dedicated to developing model codes to ensure safe buildings and communities, emphasized the importance of taking the necessary precautions to prevent drownings among young children.

“Our goal is to increase pool safety awareness so that families and their children can enjoy a fun and safe summer,” said Mayor Fernando Vasquez. “Educating our community on simple safety steps can help make a difference in preventing unfortunate child drownings.”

The Downey Fire Department supports efforts of the pool safety campaign and advised community members to be extra cautious this swimming season.

“Safe summertime swimming starts with proper supervision and we strongly encourage parents to keep a close eye on their children during swimming activities,” said Interim Fire Chief Mark Gillaspie.

**********

Published: July 10, 2014 - Volume 13 - Issue 13