Proudly serving the community of Essex and surrounding areas.
Vol. 137
A LOOK INSIDE Town reviews ward boundaries/election of Deputy Mayor PAGE 2 _______________ Former Fire Chief recognized as Technologist of the Year PAGE 3 _______________ Essex Council Notes PAGE 6 _______________ CLEC celebrates First Choice Employment Committee PAGE 12 _______________ Dolphins flounder to 73’s PAGE 23 _______________
Thursday, April 6, 2017
Issue No. 13
April Pool’s makes a splash for water safety Showing off their new firefighter hats, these young participants were excited to learn about water safety and fire prevention during this year’s April Pool’s event on Saturday.
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by Sylene Argent In preparation for the upcoming swimming and boating season, staff members at the Essex Recreation Complex hosted the annual April Pool’s event on Saturday afternoon. Staff members set up five stations at the local pool to teach youth about water safety. “We had a great turnout,” Essex’s Assistant
Manager of Aquatics, Sarah Newton, explained. Around 100 people learned safety tips that surrounded water activities. Newton explained the Lifesaving Society asks its affiliates to host the event every year to continue to spread the message of being water safe. In keeping with the message, a CPR Level “C” certification course was offered as well.
Participating youth were able to visit each of the stations. The ones who visited all safety stations were entered into a draw for a chance to win a session of swimming lessons. They also had a chance to compete in a colouring contest, with the winner being awarded a pair of swimming goggles. Essex has participated in this program for the last decade, and brought on
Essex Fire & Rescue to join in the event around six-years ago. The participating youth had a chance to connect with local firefighters to learn fire prevention tips. Captain Randy Kaufmann said this is a good time of year to reiterate fire prevention when cooking as when the school year winds down in the near future, youth will be at home during the day.
They also talked about the importance of smoke alarms and where they should be located in the home. In addition to teaching water safety and fire prevention, April Pool’s is also used as a fundraiser for drowning prevention through the Lifesaving Society. Donations were collected in exchange for chili, hotdogs, and baked goods for this cause.