Fire Department Hosts Drown Without A Sound Water Safety Event

Posted by: Perry Smith in Santa Clarita News May 29, 2014 - 1:09 pm 0 291 Views

Los Angeles County Fire Department officials are inviting any Santa Clarita Valley residents who might be near the water this summer to attend their fourth annual water safety expo.

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The department’s fourth annual Children Drown Without a Sound highlights the danger children face and shares life-saving techniques for parents, guardians and children. The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fire Station 126 at 26320 Citrus St. in Santa Clarita.

“This event is filled with family fun, but it’s also an opportunity to talk to firefighters and experts about the specific steps we all should take to be sure we are not vulnerable to this kind of tragedy,” said acting Assistant Fire Chief Greg Hisel. “It only takes 20 seconds for a child to drown, and once a child falls into the water they have no way to make noise or cry for help.”

Fire Chief Daryl L. Osby will also be at this year’s event to support the message and meet with residents and families.

While there will be a variety of important teaching opportunities, it’s also an event filled with opportunities for fun, said Stephanie English, Fire Department spokeswoman.

“People can sign up for swim lessons through the swim academy or the YMCA or the city,” English said. “Or they can sign up for CPR classes or they can learn to do CPR using chest compressions, which our firefighters will be teaching that day.”

There will be Radio Disney performers, free family gifts while supplies last and a water balloon toss with local firefighters.

Fire Department officials released a schedule for the events:

The performers are scheduled to be at the event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; the Saugus Union School District Child Development Kids Club Activities are scheduled for the same time; firefighters will read “Stewie the Duck Learns to Swim” from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; the water balloon toss will take place at 10:30a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; there will be a 9-1-1 drowning drill with Fire Department paramedics at noon; and Dr. Darrin Privett, a Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital emergency room physician will speak at 1 p.m.

“This is our fourth year and our goal is to have a year when we have absolutely no drownings,” English said, “which hasn’t happened yet in Santa Clarita.”