CITY OF SEBASTOPOL
Proclamation
Recognizing May 2022 as DROWNING PREVENTION
MONTH
WHEREAS, Swimming and aquatic-related activities play a vital role in helping people to maintain good physical and mental health and enhance the quality of life for all people; and WHEREAS, Communicating, teaching, learning, and practicing water safety can help prevent accidental drownings and recreational water-related injuries; and WHEREAS, As we enter the summer months, May is a good time to think about the inherent dangers associated with water, and how we can prevent senseless drownings; and WHEREAS, Drowning is a leading cause of death among children ages 1-4, and the second leading cause of accidental death for children under 14.; and child water safety researchers say that for every 100 swim lessons taught, a life is saved; and WHEREAS, One of the most effective ways to prevent drowning is to teach children how to swim; and water safety practices include taking swim lessons; having a buddy system; supervising children; following posted rules; using life jackets, especially for young children or inexperienced swimmers; swimming in designated areas supervised by lifeguards; and using appropriate safety equipment; and; and
WHEREAS, Each year the Sebastopol Rotary Club and volunteers teach area second graders how to swim at Ives Pool to help prevent drownings; and WHEREAS, it is important that families and individuals of all ages reinforce and abide by water safety rules at private pools, public swimming facilities, or waterparks.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, THAT I, Mayor Patrick Slayter, do hereby proclaim the month of May 2022 as Drowning Prevention Month and recognize and thank our own Ives Pool in their community programs that teach children and adults to be safe in, on, and around the water.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and the Great Seal of the City of Sebastopol this 3rd day of May 2022.