Engage with Our Community at the Strawberry Festival and Learn About Drowning Prevention

The Strawberry Festival on May 24 offers more than just sweet treats and fun activities. It’s a perfect opportunity to connect with neighbors, enjoy the festivities, and learn about important community issues. One of the key highlights this year is the booth hosted by us Love to Swim, where visitors can engage in meaningful conversations about drowning prevention, the need for more aquatic infrastructure, and the life saving benefits of swim lessons.

Why Drowning Prevention Matters in Our Community

Drowning remains a leading cause of accidental death, especially among children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 3,500 people die from drowning each year in the United States, with many incidents happening in residential pools, lakes, and other local water bodies. This makes drowning prevention a critical public health issue that requires community awareness and action.

At the festival, Love to Swim will share practical tips and resources to help families and individuals reduce drowning risks. These include:

• Always supervising children near water

• Learning CPR and emergency response techniques

• Installing barriers around pools and water features

• Encouraging swim lessons for all ages

  
  

By raising awareness, the community can work together to create safer environments and reduce preventable tragedies.

The Need for More Aquatic Infrastructure

Access to safe swimming facilities is essential for drowning prevention and promoting healthy lifestyles. Unfortunately, many neighborhoods lack adequate aquatic infrastructure such as public pools, splash pads, and swim centers. This limits opportunities for residents to learn swimming skills and enjoy water activities safely.

At the festival booth, visitors can discuss the current gaps in aquatic infrastructure and explore ways to advocate for improvements. Some key points include:

• Building more public pools in under served areas

• Offering affordable swim programs for children and adults

• Creating safe, supervised water play areas in parks

• Partnering with local schools to include swimming in physical education

  
  

Improving aquatic infrastructure not only supports drowning prevention but also encourages physical activity, social connection, and mental well being.

How Swim Lessons Save Lives

Swim lessons are one of the most effective ways to prevent drowning. Learning to swim builds confidence, teaches water safety skills, and prepares individuals to respond in emergencies. Research shows that children who take formal swim lessons have a significantly lower risk of drowning compared to those who do not.

At the We Love to Swim booth, festival-goers can learn about different swim lesson programs available in the community. The team will explain:

• Age-appropriate swim classes for toddlers, kids, teens, and adults

• The importance of ongoing practice and skill refreshers

• How swim lessons teach more than just strokes, including water awareness and self-rescue techniques

• Resources for finding affordable or subsidized swim lessons

  
  

By promoting swim education, the community can empower more people to enjoy water safely and confidently.

Join Us at the Strawberry Festival

The Strawberry Festival promises a day full of fun activities, delicious food, and community spirit. Stop by the We Love to Swim booth to:

• Ask questions about drowning prevention and water safety

• Share your experiences and ideas for improving aquatic access

• Pick up free educational materials and safety gear

• Sign up for swim lessons or volunteer opportunities

  
  

This event is a chance to connect with others who care about making our community safer and healthier. Whether you are a parent, educator, or simply someone who enjoys swimming, your voice matters.

Take Action Beyond the Festival

Engaging at the festival is just the beginning. Here are some ways to continue supporting drowning prevention and aquatic access:

• Advocate for local government investment in aquatic facilities

• Enroll your family in swim lessons and encourage others to do the same

• Volunteer with organizations focused on water safety education

• Share drowning prevention tips with friends and neighbors

• Support fundraising efforts for community pools and swim programs

  
  

Together, these actions can create lasting change and save lives.

Love Kaitlyn & Cassie Co-founders of Love to swim