Bolingbrook Park District, Village of Bolingbrook & Illinois DCFS Team Up to Promote Water Safety, Prevent Drowning

BOLINGBROOK, Ill. - As summer arrives, the Bolingbrook Park District, Village of Bolingbrook and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) are teaming up to remind all parents and caregivers to always supervise children when they are in and near water.

"This is the season to be safe outside," said Bolingbrook Mayor Roger Claar. "Our priority is forming alliances that help us make 2018 the safest summer on record. This sentiment, underscored the impetus for the Village of Bolingbrook to collaborate with Illinois DCFS and the Bolingbrook Park District to promote water safety."

"It is imperative that parents and caregivers watch children who are near and in water to prevent a tragedy," said DCFS Acting Director B.J. Walker. "Let's all work together to keep children safe this summer and all year round."

In 2017, 20 Illinois children under the age of 18 lost their lives due to accidental drowning: 10 in pools, one in a water spring, five in bathtubs, one in a river, one in a lake and two in a pond. Drownings happen in seconds, in silence and in as little as one inch of water.

Audio versions of public service announcements aimed at promoting awareness about water safety are available in English or Spanish, click here: Audio PSA to download.

For more water safety tips, including posters and coloring books for children, visit https://www2.illinois.gov/dcfs

Media Contacts:

Toni Greathouse - Village of Bolingbrook                                           Andy Martinez - Illinois DCFS
630-226-8562                                                                                     312-497-9894
tgreathouse@bolingbrook.com                                                          andrew.martinez@illinois.gov