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-Editorial
The Imperial Irrigation Board of Directors has unanimously declared May as Water Safety Month. This initiative aims to educate the public, particularly local elementary school children, about the dangers of canals and the importance of staying away from them.
“We are very pleased to continue our tradition of bringing this essential and impactful program to the community, featuring our famous Dippy Duck mascot, because of the tremendous proven and positive impact the water safety program has made,” said IID Board Chairwoman Gina Dockstader.
IID’s water safety campaign, which started in 1959, has been successful in reducing the number of child drownings in local canals. Since 1966, the district’s beloved mascot, Dippy Duck, has been promoting the water safety message across the Imperial Valley. During the month of May, he will make appearances at elementary schools.
This year’s campaign began on April 14 and will run through June 5, reminding students of Dippy’s three important rules:
1. Never swim in a canal;
2. Never play, run, walk, or ride a bike near a canal;
3. Never jump in a canal.
The program continues to reach over 21,000 schoolchildren at 44 Imperial Valley elementary schools. It also educates teens and adults through its community efforts. During July, additional presentations are scheduled with local summer library and recreational programs.
In addition, as part of its ongoing efforts to raise community awareness, IID is proud to make summer grant funding available to offset expenses that local cities/special districts will incur to keep swimming pools open or provide water activities within our communities during the summer. Grant presentations are expected to be made in late June.
IID is responsible for operating and maintaining more than 3,100 miles of canals and drains in Imperial County.