Cottage Grove pool hosts Water Safety Play Day

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Warren H. Daugherty Aquatic Center in Cottage Grove, Ore., will host a Water Safety Play Day Saturday, May 11 from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Children of all ages and their parents can learn about swimming and boating safety through a variety of fun activities at this free event.

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Team will host a life jacket exchange during event registration from 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. Children can exchange old life jackets for better-fitting ones.  The rescue team will also have their patrol boat on site and will share tips on how to stay safe while boating.

A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers park ranger will kick off event activities at 1 p.m. by introducing the Corps mascot, Bobber the Water Safety Dog. Through free printed materials and online cartoons (www.Bobber.info), Bobber teaches children how to stay safe while visiting Corps reservoirs, such as nearby Cottage Grove and Dorena lakes.

After the introduction, family groups will rotate through several interactive stations to learn about life jackets, boating safety, water rescue and hypothermia. At one station, participants will practice getting in and out of canoes in the pool.

All registered participants will receive a goody bag and the opportunity to win a raffle for a Summer Pool Pass valued at $90.

During the event, participants can pick up pledge sheets for this year’s Pool-a-thon, which will raise money for the aquatic center.

The pool will offer a free swim following the water safety stations. Participants should bring suits and towels.

This Cottage Grove Water Safety Play Day is being organized by “Friends of the Pool” in partnership with the South Lane School District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Lane County Sheriff’s Office, South Lane County Fire and Rescue, Make A Splash Foundation and the City of Cottage Grove. For more information, contact Carrie McCasline at 541-942-5533.