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 31, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 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 Water Search and Rescue Unit will host a life jacket exchange during the event. Children are encouraged to exchange old life jackets for better-fitting ones. The team will also have their patrol boat on site and will share tips on how to stay safe while boating.

Children will also have the chance to meet the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ mascot, Bobber the Water Safety Dog. The first 100 children will receive a free T-shirt and Bobber iron-on decal they can color. Through free printed materials and online cartoons (http://Bobber.info), Bobber teaches children how to stay safe while visiting Corps of Engineers reservoirs, such as nearby Cottage Grove and Dorena lakes.

During the event, families will visit 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.

The 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.