FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 5, 2017
Fox Valley Park District, City of Aurora and Illinois DCFS Team Up to Promote Water Safety, Prevent Drowning Public urged to Get Water-wise - Supervise!
AURORA - The Fox Valley Park District, City of Aurora and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) are teaming up to build awareness and educate the public on water safety.
A press conference is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 7, at Splash Country Water Park, 195 S. Barnes Road, Aurora. In the event of inclement weather, the press conference will move to the pools at Vaughan Athletic Center, 2121 W. Indian Trail, Aurora, IL 60506.
The public is invited to attend. Splash Country is offering discount $5 admission passes to all who arrive before noon. The event will also include numerous giveaways and an appearance by Parker, the Park District mascot.
Speakers will include Park District Commissioners and Aquatic Board members along with Lieutenant Governor Evelyn Sanguinetti.
“Providing safe aquatic experiences for our guests is a responsibility we take seriously,” said Fox Valley Park District Executive Director Jim Pilmer. “The Park District is committed in its partnership with the City of Aurora to operate our swim facilities and deliver summer-long fun while keeping safety as our utmost priority.”
“As a mother of three children, the issue of safety during the summer is extremely important to me. I’d like to remind parents to pay attention when children are in or near any body of water, especially during the summer season,” said Lt. Governor Evelyn Sanguinetti. “In this age of constant distraction, it could only take seconds for tragedy to strike. It’s imperative that we work together to keep all of our children safe.”
In 2016, 21 Illinois children under the age of 18 lost their lives due to accidental drowning: 13 in pools, three in bathtubs, two in rivers and one in a drainage ditch.
To download the audio public service announcements in English or Spanish, click here: Audio PSA
-more- Water Safety Press Conference/2
For more water safety tips, including posters and coloring books for children, visit www.DCFS.Illinois.gov
Media Contacts: Jeff Long – Fox Valley Park District Alissandra Calderon – Illinois DCFS 630-966-4527 779-537-3744 (cell) [email protected] [email protected]
The Fox Valley Park District is a dynamic and growing park district that serves a diverse population of more than 233,000 people. Recognized as an Illinois Distinguished Agency, Fox Valley holds the nation’s highest honor as a National Gold Medal Award winner for excellence in park and recreation management. Serving the communities of Aurora, Montgomery and North Aurora, the District maintains 165 parks and 48 miles of interconnected regional trails amid 2,500 acres of parkland. Connected by the Fox River, our communities are tied together by the District’s commitment to promote vibrant, healthy lifestyles through fun and safe recreation opportunities that are environmentally and fiscally responsible. The Fox Valley Park District… Where Fun Begins!
About the City of Aurora: Located 35 miles west of Chicago, Aurora is the second largest city in Illinois with a population of 200,456. Aurora is known as the "City of Lights" because it was one of the first in the nation to illuminate its streets with electric lights. Situated along the Fox River and the Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway (Interstate 88), the city extends 46 square miles encompassing Kane, DuPage, Kendall and Will counties. Aurora also is home to six public school districts and seven townships. For the latest news, access to an archive of past news releases or to follow the city on Facebook or Twitter, visit the city's website at www.aurora-il.org.
Illinois DCFS receives, investigates and acts upon a report of child abuse or neglect every five minutes. Tens of thousands of children are safer thanks to those who call our Child Abuse hotline, 1-800-25-ABUSE (1-800-252-2873) each year. Working together, we can ensure a safe, loving home and brighter future for every child.
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