Fox Valley Park District, City of Aurora and Illinois DCFS Team Up to Promote Water Safety, Prevent Drowning

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

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)

jlong@fvpd.net                                                alissandra.calderon2@illinois.gov