Beginning Wednesday, May 1, and continuing through Friday, May 31, EVPL will collect donations of swimwear and accessories for Evansville city pools and Burdette Park as part of our next Seasons of Sharing.
According to directors of city and county pools, sometimes children and/or families come to local pools ready to pay admission, but aren’t able to join the fun due to not having the required proper swimwear. The Evansville Parks Department is also increasing access to swimming lessons, so there is an even greater anticipated need.
EVPL will be collecting donations of:
- New with tags* brightly-colored swimwear for all ages
- Swim diapers
- Flip flops
- Goggles
- Unopened sunscreen
- Beach towels
*For hygiene purposes, the swimwear must be new.
Swimming Safety
According to Deaconess, drowning is the leading cause of death for children 1 to 4 years old, among preventable injuries. Children 1 to 4 years old are more likely to drown in a pool and children 5 years and older are more likely to drown in natural water, such as ponds, lakes, and rivers. The risk of drowning in open water increases with age. For example, the average 10-year-old is three times more likely to drown in open water than in a pool.
Top tips to stay safe:
- Watch kids when they are in or around water, without being distracted. Keep young children within arm’s reach of an adult. Make sure older children swim with a partner every time.
- Teach children how to swim. Each child is different, so enroll children in swim lessons when they are ready. Consider their age, development, and how often they are around water when deciding if they are ready for swim lessons.
- Make sure kids learn these five water skills and that they are able to:
- Step or jump into water over their heads and return to the surface.
- Float or tread water for one minute.
- Turn around in a full circle and find an exit.
- Swim 25 yards to exit the water.
- Exit the water if in a pool, and be able to exit without using the ladder.
- Teach children that swimming in open water is not the same as swimming in a pool. They need to be aware of uneven surfaces, river currents, ocean undertow, and changing weather.
- Know what to do in an emergency. Learning CPR and basic water rescue skills may help you save a child’s life.
More information:
- Healthy Children: Swimming Pool Safety
- TODAY: Why swim instructors are warning parents against certain swimsuit colors
About Seasons of Sharing
The Seasons of Sharing initiative was launched in December 2021 to provide opportunities for our community to give back through donation drives. Previous drives have supported Hangers, the EVSC Student Clothing Resource, Evansville Animal Care and Control, and The Teacher Locker.
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Seasons of Sharing is coordinated by Helen A., LucyAnne K., and Becca S.
