Cooling off in the water can have deadly consequences.
Since 1999, an average of 815 children ages 14 and under die each year by drowning in spas, lakes, rivers, and even at home in bathtubs, buckets toilets and outdoor landscaping features such as ponds as well as swimming pools including small inflatable ones.
That’s in addition to more than 3,700 youngsters annually who sustain non-fatal drowning-related injuries that often can lead to permanent brain damage.
That is why the Manteca Parks and Recreation Department is teaming up with the Manteca Fire Department to offer a free Summer Splash Water Safety Day on Saturday, June 11, from noon to 3 p.m. at Lincoln Pool on Powers Avenue.
Lifeguards and firefighters will give presentations and hands-on demonstrations throughout the day showing children how to be safe in and around water. Light refreshments will be served. The free event will be followed with free open swim until 6 p.m.
The greater Manteca-Ripon-Lathrop area has at least four drownings a year either on the Stanislaus River, Woodward Reservoir San Joaquin River or the southeast portion of the Delta. Last week two teens drowned at Woodward Reservoir.
When it comes to drownings, only Texas surpasses California. The Center for Disease Control notes drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional-related injury death among children ages 14 and under. Two-thirds of drowning deaths occur in the summer, between May and August, and most commonly on the weekends.
Swim lesson sign-ups
are now underway
You have the option of group or private swim lessons this summer through Manteca Parks & Recreation. Group lessons are offered on eight different skill levels with five programs designed for those 6 and older as well as three younger age specific programs for those nine months to three years, three to five years, and and four to six years.
New this year is August evening lessons after school starts.
There are five sessions. Four sessions cover two week periods, Monday through Thursday for eight lessons at 35 minutes each. The cost is $45 for Manteca residents and $55 for non-residents. Lessons take place at the Lincoln Park and Manteca High swimming pools. The upcoming sessions are June 20-30, July 5-14, and July 18-28. A one-week session Aug. 1-4 has prorated fees of $23 for city residents and $33 for non-city residents. Registration for upcoming sessions closes at 5 p.m. the prior Thursday.
Private swim lessons for 9 months through adults are available at the Manteca High and Lincoln Park pools for $105 for residents and $115 for non-residents. It consists of four Monday through Thursday 40-minute lessons. Lessons are offered through Aug. 25. There are sessions available on Saturday for private lessons. The next session is July 2, 9, 16, and 23.
August evening lessons that start during the hours of 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. are Aug. 8-11, Aug. 15-18, and Aug. 22-25. Fees for the August evening lessons are $23 for residents and $33 for non-residents.
