Swim for Free and Learn About Water Safety

Ker-splash! That’s the sound of kids having fun on April Pools Day, a cooperative effort between the Santee Fire Department and the City of Santee Aquatics Center and Cameron Family YMCA.

The event, scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 28, is intended to raise awareness about water safety and measures that parents can take to prevent accidental drownings.

The Aquatics Center is allowing kids to swim for free and participate in games, crafts and educational activities focusing on water safety.

Members of the Santee Fire Department will bring training mannequins to demonstrate proper CPR (cardio pulmonary resuscitation) techniques and will stage a water slide accident and mock rescue. They’ll also demonstrate the correct fitting for a life jacket.

“There were two drownings East County last summer and we’d like to reduce that number to zero,” said Santee Fire Captain Brad Peterson, who brought April Pools Day to the region about seven years ago.

“While many cities have regulations requiring child-proof fencing around private swimming pools, there are older homes in East County where people still don’t have fences and gates,” Peterson said.

In Santee, April Pools Day is being held simultaneously with the YMCA’s nationwide Healthy Kids Day, an event aimed at encouraging kids to stay active during their summer break from school.

The YMCA plans to hold a fun/walk run, and other activities intended to instill the message that physically active kids stay healthier and do better in academics.

The aquatics center is located at the eastern end of Town Center Community Park at 10123 Riverwalk Drive.The phone number is (619) 449-9622.

Rainy Day Fun at SanTree Fest

A hearty crowd of volunteers braved intermittent light wind and rain the morning of Saturday, March 17 to plant trees and create a simulated streambed at Town Center Community Park. It was a fitting way to celebrate California Arbor Week (March 12-18).

"We can’t thank the community and our sponsors enough for bringing their spirit and enthusiasm to brighten an otherwise rainy day," said Cherie Meek, the city’s Special Events Supervisor.  "Everyone pitched in to make this already stunning park and even more beautiful place."

Thirty-two decorative trees were planted, along with 40 shrubs that decorate the faux streambed in front of the City of Santee Aquatics Center/Cameron Family YMCA. Vendors provided hand outs and food samples to the crowd while scouts and community members enjoyed the green themed event in an array of rain gear, seldom worn in San Diego.

The event will ensure that Santee earns its Tree City USA designation from the Arbor Day Foundation for the 11^th consecutive year.

In case you missed it, here’s a video slide show that recaps the event.