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-Editorial
With the summer heat approaching and breaks from school to follow, the Imperial Irrigation District Board of Directors, during the Board’s May 7 meeting, adopted a resolution designating the month of May as “Water Safety Month” in the Imperial Valley.
The Board’s action clears the way for IID’s iconic mascot Dippy Duck to share the water safety message with schoolchildren across Imperial County as the school year winds down, promoting the safety message all summer.
“IID is so excited to be able to continue carrying this all-important water safety message to the community,” said IID Community Outreach Officer, Susie Carrillo. “The water safety program presentations, featuring our ever so famous mascot Dippy Duck, is something we, the school administrators, teachers and students look forward to right before summer. And the message is very important for everyone – and that is to be water safe by keeping away from canals.”
The “Stay Active. Play Safe. Be Cool,” awareness campaign, which is presented at local schools, began in late April and reinforces Dippy Duck’s three rules:
· Never swim in a canal
· Never play near a canal
· Never jump in a canal
The successful water safety program began in 1959 with Dippy Duck making his first appearance in 1966. The message reaches as many as 21,000 students in elementary schools each year to raise awareness about the dangers of canals while promoting safe practices. As part of the program, Dippy Duck visits various summer programs to remind children of his water safety rules.
In recent years, the effort has been enhanced with the installation of signs near canals reminding everyone that the best way to stay safe is to stay away. In addition, as part of the water safety program, IID will continue to assist local cities/communities with grant funds in support of water activities throughout the summer.
IID extends its appreciation to all school districts, cities and communities in Imperial County for their continued support and assistance in sharing the water safety message.
The largest irrigation district in the nation, IID operates and maintains more than 3,100 miles of canals and drains in Imperial County. For more information on Dippy Duck, please follow him on his Facebook page.
