header image

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside
Weather


 
Calendar
Today in
S.C.V. History
June 14
1916 - Jesse Doty buys White Star Garage; he turns it into Newhall's first Ford dealership [story]
White Star Garage


Firefighters use water to put out fires, but on Saturday, Aug. 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., they’ll use it to demonstrate the critical importance of pool safety during their “Children Drown Without a Sound” event at Fire Station 126 in the City of Santa Clarita.

“This will be a family fun day for the whole community, with an old-fashioned barbecue, water balloon toss and other summertime games for kids, portable swimming pools, giveaways and a fire hose squirt – what’s a fire station event without that?” says Stephanie English, community services liaison for the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Watch LA County firefighters “rescue” a young drowning victim, listen to a real 9-1-1 drowning call and hear from a family about the loss of their own child during a drowning incident last year.  Radio Disney performers will entertain the audience and distribute “Safety Smart in the Water” movies, and Stewie the Duck will help kids learn to swim for safety.  Local vendors and educators will offer free help and prevention ideas, and discounts to make your pool safer, and the American Heart Association will register residents for CPR classes.

LACoFD is proud to partner with many local and regional organizations, including the City of Santa Clarita, Stewie Children’s Charities, Radio Disney, The National Drowning Prevention Alliance, Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital, American Heart Association, American Red Cross, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and the Swim for Life Foundation, to bring this event to the community.

For more information, contact LACoFD Community Services Liaison Stephanie English at (661) 287-3690, or the Public Information Team at (323) 881-2411.

GET THE FACTS FROM L.A. COUNTY FIRE
Drowning Statistics

– Drowning is the number one cause of death in children under 5, and the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children between the ages of one and 14.
– Most child drowning deaths occur in a familiar backyard. More than 50% of these drownings take place in the child’s home pool.
– More than 80% of drownings for children between the ages of 0-4 occur in residential swimming pools.
– Approximately 75% of drownings occur under a brief lapse of parental supervision, usually less than 5 minutes.
– Young children tend not to splash or make noise when they get into trouble in the water and thus usually drown silently.
– Most children who drown in pools were last seen inside the home, had been out of sight less than 5 minutes, and were in the care of one or both parents at the time.

How young children drown varies by age:

– Children under age one most often drown in bathtubs, buckets and toilets.
– Children aged 1-4 most often drown in swimming pools, hot tubs, and spas.
– Children aged 5-14 most often drown in swimming pools and open water, such as lakes and rivers.

Pool Safety Tips from the National Drowning Prevention Alliance

– Never leave a child unattended near water in a pool, tub, bucket or ocean.  There is no substitute for adult supervision.
– Designate a “Water Watcher” to maintain constant watch over children in the pool during gatherings.
– The home should be isolated from the pool with a fence at least 60” tall, with a self-closing, self-latching gate.  The gate should open away from the pool, and should never be propped open.
– Doors and windows should be alarmed to alert adults when opened.  Doors should be self-closing and self-latching.
– Power-operated pool safety covers are the most convenient and efficient.  Solar/floating pool covers are not safety devices.
– Keep a phone at poolside so that you never have to leave the pool to answer the phone, and can call for help if needed.
– Learn CPR and rescue breathing.
– Keep a life-saving ring, shepherd’s hook and CPR instructions mounted at poolside.
– Do not use flotation devices as a substitute for supervision.
– Never leave water in buckets or wading pools.
– If a child is missing, always check the pool first.  Seconds count.
– Remove toys from in and around the pool when not in use.
– Don’t use floating chlorine dispensers that look like toys.
– Instruct babysitters about potential pool hazards, and emphasize the need for constant supervision.
– Responsibilities of pool ownership include ensuring children in the home learn to swim, and that adults know CPR.
– Do not consider children “drown proof” because they’ve had swimming lessons.

For other tips and information, please contact the Los Angeles County Fire Department Public Information Team at (323) 881-2411.  We are now on Facebook and Twitter!

Pool Safety Resources

– National Drowning Prevention Alliance
http://www.NDPA.org

– American Red Cross
http://redcrossla.org

– YMCA
http://www.ymca.net

– American Heart Association
http://www.americanheart.org

– Centers for Disease Control’s National Center for Injury Prevention & Control
http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc

– Stew Leonard III Children’s Charities
http://www.stewleonards.com

– U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
http://www.cpsc.gov

– The National Pool and Spa Institute
http://www.nspi.co.za

Comment On This Story
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

0 Comments

You can be the first one to leave a comment.

Leave a Comment


LOS ANGELES COUNTY HEADLINES
Friday, Jun 13, 2025
Caltrans has announced that overnight lane reductions are scheduled on northbound and southbound Interstate 5 (I-5) from Lake Hughes Road to two miles north of Templin Highway (near the Whitaker Sand Shed) north of Castaic starting Monday, June 16 for pavement rehabilitation.
Thursday, Jun 12, 2025
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger is urging residents who lost their houses in the Eaton Fire to take advantage of a newly launched mortgage relief program.
Thursday, Jun 12, 2025
Due to the ongoing demonstrations in the Downtown Los Angeles area, the Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector office will close in-person services at 2 p.m. on Thursday, June 12 and at 12 p.m. on Friday, June 13, to keep staff and the public safe.
Thursday, Jun 12, 2025
In light of ongoing demonstrations in and around Downtown Los Angeles, the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) offices will remain closed until further notice, to prioritize the safety of staff and the public.
Wednesday, Jun 11, 2025
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health cautions residents who are planning to visit the below Los Angeles County beaches to avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters:

Keep Up With Our Facebook
Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
1916 - Jesse Doty buys White Star Garage; he turns it into Newhall's first Ford dealership [story]
White Star Garage
The Santa Clarita Artists Association has issued a call to artists for "Abstracted," art show which will open Aug 15 thru Sept. 21 at the SCAA 6th Street Gallery, 22508 6th St., Newhall, CA 91321.
July 27: Call to Artists for SCAA ‘Abstracted’ Exhibit
The city of Santa Clarita will present “Walk with Me,” a solo photography exhibition by artist Nima Kharrazi, on view at the Valencia Library Branch through Wednesday, July 30.
‘Walk with Me’ Photo Exhibit at Valencia Library Thru July 30
Caltrans has announced that overnight lane reductions are scheduled on northbound and southbound Interstate 5 (I-5) from Lake Hughes Road to two miles north of Templin Highway (near the Whitaker Sand Shed) north of Castaic starting Monday, June 16 for pavement rehabilitation.
June 16-20: Castaic Area I-5 Lane Reductions, Ramp Closures
Come join the Wildland Weekend Warriors in planting and watering plants in Golden Valley or Elsmere Canyon Open Space to feed our local pollinators and wildlife.
June 15, 28: Volunteer for Wildland Weed Warriors
The Master's University athletics has finished sixth in the final standings for the Learfield Directors' Cup, which is presented annually by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics and USA Today.
TMU Sixth in Learfield Cup Final Standings
The deadline for standard entries for the Santa Clarita Valley 2025 Fourth of July Parade registration is Sunday, June 15.
June 15: SCV Fourth of July Parade Registration Deadline
Visit the Santa Clarita Public Library Valencia branch, 4-5 p.m.. Wednesday, June 18 for "Mario Kart Racing," mini golf and more game-inspired activities.
June 18: ‘Mario Kart Racing’ at Valencia Library
Join Santa Clarita's oldest and largest running event, the 41st annual Independence Day Classic, Friday July 4, from 7-10 a.m. at Newhall Memorial Park, 24933 Newhall Ave., Newhall, CA 91321.
July 4: Independence Day Classic
Nothing says summer like spending the day at the pool, going to the beach or cooling off at the lake with friends and family.
Jason Gibbs | Staying Safe in the Water
1949 - Frank Walker deeds over the first 40 acres of Placerita Canyon State Park [story]
Deed
Fairies, a new theatrical production by Phil Lantis, makes its world premiere, July 11-19 at The MAIN.
July 11-19: ‘Fairies’ at The MAIN
An evening of wonder, music and light awaits as the City of Santa Clarita invites residents to the River of Lights Illumination Ceremony on Wednesday, June 25 at 7:30 p.m. at Central Park (27150 Bouquet Canyon Road).
June 25: River of Lights Unveiling, Illumination Ceremony
The Santa Clarita Artists Association will host the "Black & White," art show beginning Thursday, June 19, through Sunday, July 27 at the SCAA Gallery.
June 19-July 27: SCAA Presents ‘Black & White’ Art Show
As temperatures rise, the city of Santa Clarita, in partnership with the County of Los Angeles and public safety agencies, is urging residents to stay prepared and protect their families, pets and homes from the threat of wildfires.
June 20: Summer Fire Safety Press Conference
Excitement is in the air! Get ready to be part of something extraordinary at Connections Uniting Professionals (CUPs) Inc's After-Hours Networking Event. It's an event like no other and is open to the community.
June 30: CUPS After-Hours Networking
All For Kids is seeking foster families and now offers two virtual ways for individuals and couples to learn how to help children in foster care while reunifying with birth families or how to provide legal permanency by adoption.
June 19: All For Kids Virtual Orientation on Foster Care, Adoption
City Cinemas in the Park will screen the film "The Wild Robot," Friday, June 27 at 8 p.m. at Bridgeport Park.
June 27: City Cinemas in the Park Presents ‘The Wild Robot’
Finally Family Homes is thrilled to invite you to its Southern Gospel Brunch Fundraiser Saturday, July 19, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Mitchell River House in Santa Clarita.
July 19: Southern Gospel Brunch Benefiting Finally Family Homes
Placerita Canyon Nature Center Associates invite all to the grand re-opening ribbon, cutting ceremony and movie night of the newly reconstructed Acorn Amphitheater 6 p.m., Saturday, June 28.
June 28: Placerita Canyon Acorn Amphitheater Grand Re-Opening
Open Wings Theater Company has announced its innovative, queer interpretation of William Shakespeare's beloved comedy, "A Midsummer Night's Dream," running weekends from June 13-29 at The Olive Branch at Valencia Town Center.
June 13-29: Open Wings Theater Presents ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’
Hart High Quarterback Club will host a car show and fundraiser supporting the Hart Football Program, Saturday, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. June 14 at Hart High School.
June 14: Hart High Quarterback Club Car Show, Fundraiser
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger is urging residents who lost their houses in the Eaton Fire to take advantage of a newly launched mortgage relief program.
Mortgage Relief Program for Eaton Fire, Wildfire Survivors
Due to the ongoing demonstrations in the Downtown Los Angeles area, the Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector office will close in-person services at 2 p.m. on Thursday, June 12 and at 12 p.m. on Friday, June 13, to keep staff and the public safe.
Through June 13: LA County Tax Collector Office Temporary Hours
SCVNews.com