District Plans Special Events During National Water Safety Month

May is National Water Safety Month and the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District is celebrating all month long.

Special event, like swim-level checks, interactive safety games, and a photo op with the Aquatics Department’s mascot Finn will work in concert with the district’s regular lineup of aquatics classes to create safer swimmers and boaters. All students enrolled in Learn to Swim classes during the month will take the “I’m a Safe Swimmer” pledge.

“Many Beaverton-area families plan summer activities and vacations around water,” said Sharon Hoffmeister, superintendent of Aquatics. “We want to make sure we provide the information they need to make safe choices when in or around water.”

New this year, the Aquatics Passport program promotes water safety by encouraging swimmers to visit all six of THPRD’s indoor swim centers, collect stickers and earn prizes. The Passport and stickers are available for free at any swim center. Each center will distribute a unique sticker that promotes a single water safety tip.

Learn how to be safer in, on, and around the water at these events:

R.E.S.P.E.C.T., Harman Swim Center, 7300 SW Scholls Ferry Road, Beaverton, 503-629-6314: This free safety presentation, held on May 5 from 2:30-4 pm, is designed to teach drowning prevention in an informative, hands-on way. The presentation is geared towards children, making water safety more relatable to a younger audience. After completing the program (35-40 minutes), participants will be invited to enjoy a free open swim. Registration is not required.

Cardboard Boat Regatta, Conestoga Recreation & Aquatic Center, 9985 SW 125th Avenue, Beaverton, 503-629-6313: Bring your team and build a boat to race against others at this May 11 event. Participants can use cardboard, milk jugs and more and all team members will have a life jacket and whistle. Staff will offer CPR presentations, life jacket safety presentations and interactive safety games. The event takes place from 6-8 pm, is divided into three, half-hour sessions, and costs $10 per team. Registration is required.

Boater Safety Day, Aloha Swim Center, 18650 SW Kinnaman Road, Aloha, 503-629-6311: For the fourth straight year, Aloha Swim Center will host a floating extravaganza of kayaks, canoes, and lifejackets to teach boating and water safety. Scheduled for May 18 from 7:30-9:30 pm, the event promises to be the biggest – and safest – one yet. Registration is not required. Admission is free.

Safety Open House, Sunset Swim Center, 13707 NW Science Park Drive, Portland, 503-629-6315: Grab your swimsuit for an in-pool, parent swim lesson held every 30 minutes on May 19 from 1-2:30 pm. There will also be swim level questions and answer sessions and level checks every 10 minutes. Test your art skills in a coloring contest or listen to a tale at the Otter Spotter story time. Boat building and races will be held in the outdoor wading pool. Registration is not required. Admission is free.

Meet Finn, Tualatin Hills Aquatic Center, 15707 SW Walker Road, Beaverton, 503-629-6310: Have you met Finn, the Aquatics Department’s new mascot? He will be available for photos and hugs at the Tualatin Hills Aquatic Center on May 20 from 1:30-4:30 pm. A free open swim, life jacket fittings, CPR demonstrations and more will also be offered. Registration is not required.

For more information, visit thprd.org/activities/aquatics/national-water-safety or call the center that interests you.

About THPRD
Formed in 1955, THPRD is the largest special park district in Oregon, spanning 50 square miles and serving about 250,000 residents in the greater Beaverton area. The district provides year-round recreational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. Offerings include thousands of widely diverse classes, 95 park sites with active recreational amenities, nearly 70 miles of trails, eight swim centers, six recreation centers, and about 1,500 acres of natural areas. For more information, visit www.thprd.org or call 503-645-6433.