April Pool's Day: Enumclaw pool event teaches importance of water safety

With warm weather approaching and the Plateau and Northwest filled with pools, lakes and rivers for cooling off, the city of Enumclaw Aquatic Center will join other organizations across the nation in an effort to teach everyone, especially children, water safety by hosting April Pool's Day.

The free event is scheduled from 2 to 4 p.m. April 17 at the Enumclaw Aquatic Center. The day is filled with activities and demonstrations to help make summer safe.

"Know the water; know your limits; wear a life jacket, that's what April Pool's Day is all about," said Kristin Munnell, city of Enumclaw aquatics coordinator.

According to statistics from Seattle Children's and public health, drowning is the second leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 14 years old in the United States. It is also the second-leading cause of unintentional injury death for children in Washington state. An average of 27 children and youth, under the age of 18, drown each year in Washington. Childhood drowning rates are highest for youth ages 15 to 17 years old followed by children ages 1 to 4 years. Drowning of children younger than five most often occurs in swimming pools and bathtubs.

Thanks to sponsors like Seattle Children's, American Red Cross and the U.S. Coast Guard, the event is free to give everyone access to the free safety information and skills offered.

Munnell is also hoping to have local police, fire and emergency medical responders on hand as well.

The afternoon concludes with a free public swim for participants and a free Mustang lifejacket giveaway to a drawing winner.

In addition, the Enumclaw High girls water polo team will play Gig Harbor from noon to 2 p.m. Admission will be free.

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