PROCLAMATION IN RECOGNITION OF DROWNING PREVENTION MONTH

CITY OF BENICIA CALIFORNIA

WHEREAS, Drowning Prevention Month was established through a collaborative effort across the country to promote water safety, aquatic safety, and drowning prevention; and

WHEREAS, drowning is a leading cause of injury-related death among children under the age of five; and

WHEREAS, each year, near drowning accidents result in life-long disabilities; and

WHEREAS, the Department of Developmental Services and the Drowning Prevention Foundation continue to raise awareness on this issue, and remind parents and caregivers that “kids are not drown proof”; and

WHEREAS, the Benicia Fire Department has partnered with the Drowning Prevention Foundation to promote pool safety and drowning prevention in the community; and

WHEREAS, the month of May 2011, has been identified as Drowning Prevention Month by the Governor of the State of California; and

WHEREAS, with temperatures on the rise, more people are heading out to enjoy summer activities, many of which include water and swimming; and

WHEREAS, by becoming informed each of us can enjoy a fun and safe summer.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT I, Elizabeth Patterson, Mayor of the City of Benicia, on behalf of the City Council, do hereby recognize the month of May 2011, as Drowning Prevention Month and call this observance to the attention of its citizens.

CARS 4 CAUSES

Drowning Prevention Foundation has partnered with Cars 4 Causes, an organization that specializes in motor vehicle/boat donations. Your donation through Cars 4 Causes will help raise money for the Drowning Prevention Foundation.

NDPA Supports May as "National Drowning Prevention Month"

The month of May is traditionally celebrated much like a holiday across America as the beginning of the summer season. But instead of tree-trimming and sharing large meals around the dining table while winter chill keep families indoors, May is a month celebrated outside in the fresh air. Many children begin summer break, families take their first dip in the backyard swimming pool, and vacations long and short revolve around water.

Unfortunately the month of May has historically signaled the beginning of a season of drowning tragedies across the United States. Whether it's the backyard or community pool, a local lake, mountain river, beach, or activity on the ocean, the danger of drowning is present whenever families spend time beside the water.

The National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA) is proud to support May as "National Drowning Prevention Month," in a collaborative effort across the country, with other organizations involved in water safety, drowning prevention, aquatic safety, and recreational activities. The main goal of the "National Drowning Prevention Month" campaign is to promote water safety, a central focus of the NDPA's mission as an organization. NDPA recognizes and celebrates the vital role that swimming and aquatic-related activities play in the physical and mental health, as well as quality of life, of Americans.

Excerpted from NDPA website.     View Full Article

Nadina Riggsbee Receives WWA Award

WORLD WATERPARK ASSOCIATION

More than 1,500 waterpark owners, operators, developers, suppliers, designers and industry legends came together Oct. 6-10, in San Antonio, Texas to celebrate the World Waterpark Association’s 30th Anniversary. Attendees found more reasons than ever to call the WWA Show the most comprehensive and informative event available for water leisure professionals.

"I think the seminars I attended were the best ever," said Steve Rodgers, General Manager, Golfland Sunsplash & original attendee of the American Waterslide Association’s (AWA) first meeting. "I have been in the waterpark business since 1977 and I’m still learning new ideas that I can take home and adapt to our park."

"We received very positive feedback from attendees," said Rick Root, WWA President. "The great summer weather meant a solid season for many parks in the U.S. and our show attendance reflected that. Park attendee numbers were up slightly over 2008 and 2009 with a strong showing from first-time attendees." "This year’s show also provided a unique opportunity to look back at how we’ve developed as an Association and an industry over the last 30 years," said Root. "Looking back reminds us how quickly the waterpark business has evolved and illustrates the ever-present need for education, training, professional development, product innovation and support," continued Root. "The WWA and our member network offer a vast resource to this unique industry, allowing us to share knowledge and experience and provide the necessary tools to successfully manage future change, face new challenges and drive growth."

Education is key stand-out at WWA

"I was blown away. It was my first time at the show and I definitely took advantage of the education," said Trevor Leonard, Park Director, Six Flags White Water. "I was surprised by how willing people were to share ideas and best practices."

"Each year we work hard to bring to new ideas on safety, marketing, operations, staff development, standards and more to the forefront because we know how much these areas impact the daily success of our member facilities," said Chris Landgrave, General Manager, Deep River Waterpark & Co-Chair of WWA Education Committee.

WWA’s ongoing work to impact water safety was also highlighted including WWA’s role as one of eight Campaign Safety Partner organizations for the CPSC "Pool Safely" campaign. An update on the Model Aquatic Health Code and the WWA session was presented by the WWA MAHC Task Group and the CDC’s MAHC Steering Committee.

One of the keynote events of each year’s WWA General Session is the announcement of WWA Board Award recipients. The awards recognize member contributions in a variety of areas significant to the industry’s success such as: dedication to guest and employee safety; excellence in leadership; innovation and creativity in designing new themes and attractions; and the development of standards that raise the bar for everyone employed in water leisure.

In the Board Awards ceremony, WWA Board Chair, Chris Swartz acknowledged the significant accomplishments of 23 exceptional recipients including:

• Kelly Ogle Memorial Safety Award, for significant contribution to guest and employee safety
• Nadina Riggsbee, Drowning Prevention Foundation, Benicia, Calif. - shown receiving the award in the photo here
• Beth Root, Buzzonic, Overland Park, Kan.
• Wet ‘n Wild GE Universal EHS Team, Orlando, Fla.
• Wild Wadi - Jumeirah Beach Resort, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

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BFD and VALERO REFINERY Have Partnered with Drowning Prevention Foundation

CITY OF BENICIA, CA

During the month of June 2009, the Executive Director for the Drowning Prevention Foundation (DPF) Nadina Riggsbee met with representatives from the Benicia Fire Department and Valero Refinery to establish a public education partnership. As a result, a public education campaign to inform the residents of Benicia regarding drowning prevention is well underway. The Benicia Fire Department will be assisting the Drowning Prevention Foundation in distributing brochures to Benicia residents. "We want to ensure that every resident with a pool in Benicia receives a copy of the drowning prevention brochure," said Fire Chief Steve Vurcurevich.

Ray Iverson, Assistant Fire Marshal
        (707) 746-4273
        riverson@ci.benicia.ca.us

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About the Drowning Prevention Foundation (DPF)

DPF's mission is to prevent the tragedy of drownings through the use of public information, education and policy change. DPF is a non-profit, community-based organization which was established in 1985. It is recognized both locally and nationally as the leadling expert in drowning prevention methods, technology, policy and activities.

DPF's activities include working to strengthen local, state, and national legislation on pool fencing, providing technical assistance to other local, state, and national coalitions and agencies; producing and distributing educational materials on drowning prevention; and advising parents and caregivers on improving the safety of backyard pools, spas and hot tubs.

A Drowning Happens In Seconds

It could happen to you! A diligent father switches his attention to the phone while his child sinks lifelessly to the bottom of the swimming pool. A normally attentive mother is cooking in the kitchen, her youngster falls into the neighbor's pool. A conscientious babysitter is distracted by the needs of one of her many charges, another wanders off and drowns.

Obviously supervision is critically important, but it's virtually impossible to supervise young children every minute of every day. That is why parents and caregivers must provide multiple layers of protection - pool fencing, self-closing, and self-locking gates, automatic sliding door closers, pool alarms, automatic safety covers, as well as constant supervision.