It’s National Water Safety Month, and the city of Palmdale Recreation and Culture Department wants more youth to be familiar and secure around swimming pools, ponds, lakes and at the shoreline. In partnership with the LA84 Foundation, a series of aquatic program scholarships will be offered to Palmdale residents no older than 17 years.
Partial scholarships of up to $25 will be awarded based on family size and income level. Applicants must be enrolled in at least one of the following local programs: reduced or free lunch, Cal WORKS, AFDC, SSI, food stamps, TANF, Medicaid or be a Foster or institutionalized youth. The scholarships are limited to one per season, per child and are based on available funds on a first-come, first-served basis.
“Scholarships may be applied towards most of our aquatics programs, with the exception of private swim lessons,” said Jacki Nuss, Palmdale recreation coordinator. “We’re glad we are able to help give kids the opportunity to participate in programs that otherwise might not be available to them.”
Pick up an application at the Recreation and Culture office, 38260 10th St. East, or visit www.cityofpalmdale.org. Applicants must have (or create) an online account at www.cityofpalmdale.org/playpalmdale.
This month, Palmdale joins the World Waterpark Association, the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals, the American Red Cross, and the National Recreation and Park Association to remind residents of safety measures as more persons are likely to advantage of pools, spas and water parks. Palmdale Magazine this month is printing a series of water-safety tips and next month the city will offer swim lesson classes (beginners to advanced) at Oasis and Marie Kerr pools. On June 24, the city will join forces with some of the nation’s top water safety and training organizations to present “The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson” at DryTown Water Park, 3850 East Ave.
The city will celebrate on July 2 the grand re-opening of the newly renovated McAdam Park pool. The renovation costs $1.5 million and was paid for by grand funding with the remainder covered by park fees. This season, McAdam will offer youth swim lessons, adaptive swim lessons, recreational swimming, and introduction to life guard classes.
“It’s so important to be familiar with basic water-safety skills, especially during summer months when people are more often in the water,” said Keri Smith, director of the Recreation and Culture department. “Not only could you save your own life with this knowledge, but you might be able to save someone else’s who hasn’t had the training.”
For more details about the giant swimming lesson, visit www.worldslargestswimminglesson.org. Find out more about the Palmdale aquatic activities by calling (661) 267-5611.
