Water Safety Zone Featured At Mommy & Me’s Kidfest This Saturday

According to the Centers for Disease Control, about ten people die from unintentional drowning in the United States each day.  To help combat this problem, COLA is sponsoring the Water Safety Zone at Mommy & Me's Kidfest this Saturday.

Of the ten who die each day, about 2 are 14 years old or younger. As of 2012, drowning ranks fifth among the leading causes of unintentional injury death in the United States.

What do all of these statistics tell us?  Well, with all of the water around Acadiana, the statistics tell us that the sooner someone learns to swim, the higher their chance is of not drowning.

I called COLA and spoke with Sarah (who was impressed with my knowledge of drowning statistics), and she added to the list:  a person can drown in as little as one inch of water, and in less than one minute.  LESS THAN ONE MINUTE!  Also, she said that the majority of the kids who drown in swimming pools are out of the parents' view for less than 5 minutes.

Knowing how to protect yourself or your loved ones from accidental drowning can go a long way in saving lives, even if you never learn to swim.

COLA's booth at Mommy & Me's Kidfest will feature information about water safety, including water safety coloring books, bracelets, information about their water safety campaign, and the duck pond, which features fun for the little ones.  Their main goal at Kidfest is to spread awareness for water safety, and give families the opportunity to learn more and even sign up for swim lessons (ages 2 1/2 and up), or join the swim team!

Admission to the Mommy & Me Kidfest is free, and the whole family is encouraged to attend.

Sarah also mentioned that Cola will be having their annual Water Safety Day on May 1st, which will feature much of the same information as the booth at Kidfest, live demonstrations, and even a water safety poster contest.

(CDC, COLA)