IID helps keep swimming pools open to draw kids away from canals

With thousands of people dying from drowning annually, IID is spending thousands of dollars to help kids stay away from canals.

Canal water might look calm on the surface, but strong currents lurk underneath. IID said there have been several drowning incidents in past years, and that motivates them to work harder in educating kids to stay alive and stay away from canals.

IID is spending thousands of dollars this summer to help swimming pool activities in 8 local communities. Every year, they make hundreds of presentations in local schools with their mascot Dippy Duck telling kids to never swim in a canal.

Bob Schettler , IID spokesperson, said, ” Never play near a canal. Never swim in a canal. If you see something in a canal, don’t go after it. Even if it’s your friend. Go get help. The current is just too swift and it’s too dangerous and the best way that you can protect yourself is to stay away. ”

A national study said nearly 4,000 people die from drowning in the U.S. annually.

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