Huron-Clinton Metroparks Honors National Water Safety Month with Lifesaving Tools and Programs

As Michigan enters Water Safety Month in May and families prepare for the summer season, the Huron-Clinton Metroparks remains committed to preventing drownings by expanding access to free water safety skills and resources. Drowning is the leading cause of death in children ages 1-4 and Black children aged 5–19 are more than five times as likely to drown as white children in the same age group. To reduce these trends, the Metroparks is investing in free life jackets, new water safety equipment and swim lessons in Southeast Michigan.

“No one should lose a loved one to drowning, especially when we have the tools to prevent it,” said Amy McMillan, director of Huron-Clinton Metroparks. “Everyone should feel safe in and around water. That’s why we’re proud to be working with our partners not just during Water Safety Month, but all year long to provide everyone the tools they need to enjoy the water safely and ensure no one is left behind.

Making Life Jackets More Accessible to Increase Safety at Beaches

Even good swimmers should consider wearing a life jacket, especially in open water. Parkgoers are encouraged to bring their own or borrow one of the Metroparks’ free of charge. Life jackets for adults and children are available at every beach and pool inside the Metroparks. Over the next two months, Metroparks will partner with community organizations in Southeast Michigan to host life jacket drops where families can take home their very own life jackets at no charge. These drops are designed to remove cost and access barriers for families who may not have this essential safety equipment at home.  Additional details about the life jacket drops will be released in the coming weeks.

New Safety Equipment Added to Beaches to Improve Safety

This year, the Metroparks is deploying brand new rescue boards and throw bags at all designated beach areas. These new resources are easily accessible, helping bystanders assist swimmers in distress until emergency personnel arrive. Also new this year, the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority Police Department is equipped with state-of-the-art LUCAS device. This tool performs automated chest compressions for individuals in cardiac arrest.

Metroparks Expands Free Swim Lessons Through Everyone in the Pool Initiative

This summer, the Metroparks and its partners will provide free swim lessons to 1,697 children and adults across more than 20 locations across Southeast Michigan. These efforts are part of Everyone in the Pool, an initiative aimed at reversing the trend of drownings by expanding access to free lifesaving water safety skills. Over the past four years, Metroparks and its partners have provided free water safety and swim lessons to more than 7,700 participants. Last year alone, the initiative provided more than 3,000 children and adults with free instruction across 20 locations in Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties. Programs include  free swim lessons for both youth and adults and a lifeguard training pilot program to address statewide shortages and support community swim programs.

If you are interested in signing up for swim lessons or partnering with the Huron-Clinton Metroparks to expand access to critical life-saving swim skills, please visit www.metroparks.com/everyone-in-the-pool/.