This annual event is held every May, which is National Water Safety Month, to promote the importance of drowning prevention and offer water safety awareness along with helpful resources to the Acadiana community. The City of Lafayette Aquatics (COLA) along with local non-profit, Mazie's Mission, are teaming up with the Louisiana Department of Health to grow this event to offer even more resources and fun activities for children. It will be held on Saturday, May 20th from 10 am to 2 pm at The Robicheaux Center - 1919 Eraste Landry, Lafayette.
Joining us this year will be face painting by a local Acadiana Artist, Raising Cane's, Louisiana Passenger Safety, Sky Zone, Sugar N Spice of Acadiana, Little Ceasars, and Snowballs, ISR Cajun Country, UHC Community Planning, Our Lady of Lourdes Women's & Children's Hospital and more. It is a fun and free event for the whole family! Click here to visit our Facebook event tab and let us know you are coming!
Drowning Facts
According to the CDC, drowning is the leading cause of death for infants and young children between the ages of 1-4.
Louisiana experienced a 60% increase in the number of infant and child drownings (ages 0-14), from 15 in 2019 to 24 in 2020.
In previous years, Louisiana had the fourth highest drowning rate for children 1-14 years in the United States, and drowning remains the third leading cause of death for Louisiana children in this age group.
We HAVE to take action and start conversations on the impact of infant and child drownings, beginning with prevention and awareness. ALL YEAR LONG it is important for parents and families to know about precautions they can take to prevent child drownings.
More Water Safety Tips
1. Children can drown in as little as 1 INCH of water. Actively supervise children in and around water (toilets, bathtubs, fountains, pools, ponds, etc...), inside and outside of your home. When you go anywhere such as a park with a pond, the beach or lake, know that children will be drawn to water.
AVOID DISTRACTIONS OF ANY KIND.
2. Once bath time is over, immediately drain the tub. Keep toilet lids closed and doors to bathrooms closed.
3. Pick up toys in the pool or around when finished playing.
4. When shopping for swimsuits, look for bright color options, avoiding darker shades, especially blue.
Macaroni Kid can make it super easy for you to find your family fun all year long. Receive a local calendar of family-friendly events each Thursday evening when you SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE!
You'll be glad you did ... and so will your kids!
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