I spy with my little eye … a “Pool Safely” bus shelter poster posted by the City of Santa Clarita at a major SCV intersection.

Winter water safety is becoming part of the SCV lifestyle.  Local Girl Scouts Robin Haggenmiller and Zoe Hughes, 11, from Troop 7432, teamed up with the Aquatic Safety Awareness Program for their Silver Award project during a recent Preschool Fair at Valencia Methodist Church.

“This event was a way to teach families about the importance of water wafety,” said Robin, who started swim lessons at Academy Swim Club in Valencia at age 3.

According to the National Centers for Disease Control, formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by as much as 88 percent among children ages 1 to 4.  The Girl Scout volunteers were on post to help set up and break down the booth, and they explained techniques including “Roll and Float” and “Throw, Don’t Go.”

“This way you can help the person and not become a victim yourself,” Zoe said.

There is no-off season for water safety.  In Southern California, residents can enjoy the pool year-round, so draining the pool might not occur.  Pool Safely, a U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission campaign, is a great resource for safety products and tips, and even bus shelter posters.  CPR classes are also available year-round through the local Red Cross and Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital community classes.

“Engaging Girl Scouts brings water safety to the kids level.  These girls share their love for swimming and bring awareness to the ‘Safer 3’ – Safer Kids, Safer Water, and Safer Response,” said Nikki Miller, founder of the drowning prevention nonprofit.

Winter is a great time to review water safety with your family. The city of Santa Clarita and Girl Scouts are on post, spreading the word that “Drowning is Preventable.”

– Gloria Locke