Kids, Fun & Water Safety by Stella Pierce - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

◄ NOVEMBER ►
S M T W T F S
01 02 03 04 05 06 07
08 09 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30 01 02 03 04 05
View Events
Submit Events
directory

Kids, Fun & Water Safety

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer
July 23, 2024 at 07:45pm. Views: 1166

Tragedy struck one Inland Empire family this week as a 4-year-old western Riverside County boy died after being found unresponsive in a community spa, Riverside County health officials reported today.

The child died at a local hospital on Monday, July 15.

“Such a tragedy serves as a reminder of how important it is to be careful when around water,” said Riverside County Public Health Officer Dr. Geoffrey Leung. “From a bathtub to a hotel pool or the ocean, all water poses a risk, especially for children. Providing close, constant supervision is the only way to ensure they are safe.”

This is the second fatal pediatric drowning this year. A 5-year-old child who was not a resident of Riverside County drowned in a backyard pool in Riverside on July 6.

Leung urges parents to stay alert when children are around or in the water. He provided the following recommendations to help prevent drowning incidents:

  • Designate a water watcher: If children are in or around water, a capable adult should always maintain close, constant attention.
  • Take swim lessons: Enroll in swim lessons or survival float classes. First 5 Riverside County partners with several organizations across the region to offer free or low-cost swimming lessons.
  • Read the rules: Pay attention to posted signs and follow the rules of the pool.
  • Use the buddy system: Always swim with someone else, regardless of age or skill.
  • Get CPR certified: CPR saves lives. Getting certified through the American Red Crossis low-cost, easy and available to ages 9 years and older.
  • Stay sober: Avoid consuming alcohol and other substances when in and around water.

Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death among children under 4 years of age, and seniors over 65 years old have the second-highest rate of drowning fatalities. In 2024, there have been 55 drowning incident reports in Riverside County with eight adult fatalities.

“Drowning is often silent. Rarely is there splashing, screaming, or calls for help,” said Leung. “All drownings are preventable by adopting essential safety measures when around any type of water.”

To increase awareness on how to prevent accidental drownings, RUHS-Public Health this week launched “Water Safety Wednesday,” a social media campaign on Facebook and Instagram featuring water safety tips, classes and programs to ensure residents stay safe this summer.

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: BBOP Center

By Justus Baker-Postell, Community Writer

November 11, 2026 at 08:19am. Views: 534

BBOP Information Session The Black and Brown Opportunities for Profit (BBOP) Center, an Inland Empire economic and workforce development hub and a project of Time for Change Foundation, has launched Pathways to Prosperity, its Employment Training Pathway Program (ETPP), a comprehensive workforce initiative designed to connect residents facing barriers to employment with the skills, credentials, hands-on experience and employer relationships needed to enter and advance in high-demand careers.

Photo Courtesy of: San Bernardino's California Theatre from 1930

By Amanda Spencer, Community Writer

November 11, 2026 at 08:19am. Views: 390

Nearly a century after opening its doors, the downtown landmark remains an important connection between the city's entertainment history and its cultural future. In downtown San Bernardino, the California Theatre of the Performing Arts stands as a reminder of a time when attending a movie or live performance was one of the most anticipated social occasions in a growing Southern California city.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

November 11, 2026 at 08:19am. Views: 380

With winter approaching, emergency officials are coordinating flood prevention, roadway maintenance and public alerts to help residents prepare for dangerous weather. A heavy rainstorm can change the landscape of San Bernardino in a matter of hours. Streets that ordinarily carry commuters and school buses can become difficult to navigate, drainage channels can fill rapidly, and neighborhoods near foothills may face increased risks from flooding and debris.

Photo Courtesy of: CalKIDS

By Justus Baker-Postell, Community Writer

November 11, 2026 at 08:13am. Views: 395

During National Scholarship Month, families are encouraged to check their eligibility for scholarships supporting college and career training.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

November 11, 2026 at 08:18am. Views: 264

November 11 screening of acclaimed film “All We Imagine as Light” invites students and community members to experience international cinema and discussion. Films can transport audiences to places they have never visited, introduce them to unfamiliar experiences and encourage them to consider how people in different parts of the world navigate relationships, work and personal challenges.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

November 11, 2026 at 08:18am. Views: 307

November 21 event at Olive Avenue Market will introduce residents to drought-tolerant landscaping, city rebates and the benefits of native plants. A beautiful garden does not have to depend on a large lawn or plants that require frequent watering.

Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

November 11, 2026 at 08:18am. Views: 265

Cosme Córdova and Eduvina pose in front of the Division 9 Gallery booth, where visitors had the opportunity to purchase commemorative souvenirs and keepsakes celebrating Riverside's Día de los Muertos Festival.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

November 11, 2026 at 08:18am. Views: 229

Competitive gaming is becoming another avenue for students to develop teamwork, communication and technical skills, and Moreno Valley Unified School District is preparing an event focused specifically on female participants.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

November 11, 2026 at 08:17am. Views: 162

The Asian American Pacific Islander Student Association will host an evening of friendly competition at the Drayson Center. The cheers of a crowd are not limited to basketball courts, football fields or traditional athletic competitions. Increasingly, students gather around video game screens to compete, encourage friends and enjoy a shared experience.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

November 11, 2026 at 08:17am. Views: 203

The Roadrunners defeat Peninsula High School to capture the CIF Southern Section Division 5 title, giving Loma Linda a championship moment worth celebrating. Under the stadium lights in Huntington Beach, a group of young athletes representing Loma Linda Academy delivered a performance that will become part of their school's athletic history.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Amanda Spencer, Community Writer

November 11, 2026 at 08:17am. Views: 213

The Loma Linda Branch Library on November 15 Tails and Stories program gives families an opportunity to combine reading practice with the companionship of therapy dogs. For a child learning to read, a difficult word can sometimes feel like an enormous obstacle. The letters may be familiar, but putting them together takes concentration.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

November 11, 2026 at 08:15am. Views: 177

The Grand Terrace school's scheduled observance connects a historic moment in American education with lessons about courage, inclusion and the importance of treating others with dignity. A walk to school is an ordinary part of childhood for many families. Students carry backpacks, greet classmates and make their way toward classrooms where another day of learning awaits.

--> -->