Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
El Cajon parks staff promote April Pools' Day and drowning-prevention outreach
Summary
Parks and recreation staff presented April Pools' Day on April 8, an April 25 free event to kick off May Drowning Prevention Month with swim lessons, CPR and safety stations; staff also described local aquatics program activity for 2024.
Mark Rosblach and Brenna Seebach of El Cajon Parks and Recreation briefed the council April 8 about April Pools' Day and broader drowning-prevention activities.
The city will mark April Pools' Day with a free community event on Friday, April 25 from 4 to 6 p.m., featuring open swim, safety information stations, CPR demonstrations, safety "swag" bags and community partners including Heartland Fire Department, AMR and Kona Ice. The presentation noted the event is supported by Safe Kids Worldwide and the San Diego County Aquatic Council and that the mascot Josh the Otter will appear.
Parks staff said the department ran 272 registered aquatic activities from April through October 2024 with 1,878 participant enrollments. Programs include junior lifeguard classes, parent-toddler lessons, learn-to-swim for ages 6 and up, preschool swim for ages 3–5, semi-private and private lessons, swim team and water aerobics. Staff emphasized the department's goal to expand summer offerings and increase capacity as new lifeguards are added.
During the presentation staff reviewed water-safety tips for residents, including designating a distraction-free adult "water watcher," knowing pool depth and supervising young swimmers, watching for subtle signs of drowning and never swimming alone. The city will distribute water-watcher cards at the event and provide free CPR information.
"Drowning is a very silent struggle," the head guard said during the briefing, urging residents to learn to recognize body language that indicates distress.
The council thanked parks staff for the outreach and encouraged continued expansion of aquatics programs.
