City Proclaims May “National Water Safety Month,” Drowning Prevention Efforts Ramp Up for Summer

On Monday, May 20, Mayor Victor M. Gordo issued a proclamation from the Mayor’s Desk declaring May 2024 as National Water Safety Month. The announcement came as the City ramps up its efforts to promote water safety education and prevent drowning incidents during the summer.

“Swimming can play a vital role in maintaining good physical and mental health, building social connections, and enhancing quality of life,” Gordo said in the proclamation.

Gordo said that “drowning is often caused by inadequate swimming skills, lack of supervision, and hazardous swimming conditions.”

Drowning remains a leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths worldwide, making water safety awareness and basic swimming skills crucial.

Gordo emphasized the importance for “families and individuals of all ages—whether owners of private pools, users of public swimming facilities, or those visiting recreational swimming areas—to understand the importance of water safety rules.”

The proclamation also noted that “during the month of May, the City of Pasadena and its Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department, Pasadena Public Health Department, Pasadena Fire Department, American Red Cross, local private and public organizations, and communities across the nation are promoting water safety.”

Pasadena Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department offers swim lessons for all ages through its seasonal Learn to Swim Program. This program is offered only during the summer months and follows the American Red Cross Swimming and Water Safety curriculum.

The programs provide age-appropriate lessons, including Parent-Child Lessons for infants, Preschool Lessons for ages 3-5, Youth Lessons for ages 6-12, Teen Lessons for ages 13-17, and Adult Lessons for beginners and intermediate swimmers. Private and semi-private 30-minute lessons are also available on Saturdays for more personalized instruction.

Water safety education is crucial to anticipating and avoiding swimming-related injuries and drownings. The Pasadena Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department encourages residents to register for swim lessons this summer at: https://pasadena.civicrec.com/CA/pasadena-ca/catalog.

Gordo urged all Pasadena residents to “practice safe swimming habits and use caution around water” not just during National Water Safety Month, but “year-round.”