As Victoria residents get ready to dive into summertime activities, the City of Victoria Parks & Recreation is taking a moment to encourage residents to enjoy summer safely—particularly during activities involving water.
The month of May is National Water Safety Month. At this time of year, when summer vacation is starting and families will be making summertime memories together, it is important for residents—especially parents and caregivers—to be aware of water safety and actively engage with drowning prevention.
Here in Victoria, we have plenty of water-related activities for residents and their families to enjoy. Last month, we proudly announced that all three of our splash pads are up and running, and we know that residents will be flocking to them to beat the heat. Our splash pad locations are as follows:
- Ethel Lee Tracy Park splash pad, 1507 Placido Benavides Drive
- Victoria Community Center splash pad, 211 N. Ben Wilson St.
- Lone Tree Creek splash pad, 4009 E. Airline Road
Caregivers should always keep a close eye on their children while they are playing in the water, and splash pads are no exception. Drowning can happen in only a few inches of water, so children should be monitored even when they are not fully underwater.
The Guadalupe River is another popular summer destination for swimming and kayaking. The National Drowning Prevention Alliance recommends wearing a life jacket while boating and while in or around natural bodies of water.
The City of Victoria has partnered with the Barbara Bauer Briggs Family YMCA for community swim hours; visit www.ymcagoldencrescent.org for more information, including hours and fees. Whether you are swimming in a public pool or in your own pool at home, remember to keep a close eye on children and encourage swimming with a buddy.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the leading cause of death among children ages 1-4. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children should start swim lessons and develop water competency as early as age 1.
We also encourage residents to learn first aid, particularly CPR, so they can protect others during a medical emergency. If you are interested in learning hands-only CPR, contact the Victoria Fire Department Training Division at vfdtraining@victoriatx.gov or 361-485-3470.
Here are some additional summer safety tips to keep in mind:
- Wear sunscreen
- Wear mosquito repellent
- Stay hydrated
- Stay up to date with local weather conditions
Parks & Recreation will be hosting activities all summer long to help residents stay active. We are excited to announce the return of our Fourth of July fireworks show, which we are hosting this year in partnership with the Victoria Generals. More information is coming soon.
Registration is currently open for our adult softball and kickball leagues. To learn more and to sign up, visit www.victoriatx.gov/registration.
For more information about Parks & Recreation events and facilities, visit www.victoriatx.gov/parks or follow Victoria Parks and Recreation on Facebook.
Lisa Wube is the director of Parks & Recreation for the City of Victoria.