Swim Safely Week at Gwinnett County Aquatic Centers

(Lawrenceville, Ga., June 27, 2013) – In an effort to promote water safety awareness, Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation (GCPR) will be hosting fun games, activities and prizes from July 1 – 6 at various aquatic facilities.  Children and adults can participate every day of the week and visitwww.gwinnettparks.com to download activity sheets and information.  GCPR will be holding these events to increase awareness of water safety now that summer is in full swing.  Through various swim classes, public service announcements and distribution of water safety information, GCPR is dedicated to providing citizens with the tools they need to prevent water-related injuries.

         According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is the sixth leading cause of unintended injury-related death for people of all ages and the second leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 14. Research shows that formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88% among children aged 1 to 4 years. GCPR offers swim lessons for those as young as six months to adults of all ages. Group, private and semi-private swim lessons are available in a variety of class levels to benefit everyone from learners to advanced swimmers. For more information on swim lessons, details about GCPR aquatic centers or other planned events, visit www.gwinnettparks.com.

         GCPR operates state-of-the-art aquatic centers and leisure pools offering programs that continue to grow at a fast pace.  Currently, GCPR operates two indoor and seven outdoor leisure pools, four indoor competition pools, three indoor instructional pools, and one outdoor pool.  The scheduled activities will be at all aquatic centers and pools and are as follows:

• Monday, July 1 Sun Safety Day – Bring an item that protects you from the sun (sunscreen, hat, etc.) for a prize!
• Tuesday, July 2 Water Safety Day – Fun games and activities about water safety!
• Wednesday, July 3 Pool Rules Day – Bring (or get one here) your completed “Pool Rules Activity Sheet” for a prize!
• Thursday, July 4 Learn to Swim Day – Participate in a free swimming lesson demo! (space is limited)
• Friday, July 5 Swim with a Buddy Day – Bring a ‘swim buddy’ and your buddy gets a discounted admission! Team up on games and activities for prizes!
• Saturday, July 6 Hydrating in the Heat Day – Bring something that helps keep you hydrated for a prize!