May 27, 2021 3:40 a.m.

The YMCA of Douglas County will have its annual Water Safety Day on Saturday June 12th.

With the success of last year’s event, this will also be a drive through format, held in front of the building. Those attending should enter from the Stewart Parkway entrance near Legion Field.

YMCA staff and volunteers will be distributing two hundred life jackets at no cost to area youth. Residents will be shown how to fit and wear the life jackets. These are Coast Guard-approved type III PFDs floatation aids. The program is made possible with the support of the YMCA, Western Title and Escrow, Bi-Mart, Douglas County Sheriff’s Marine Patrol, Dye Hard Construction, Oregon Serigraphics, Rogue Credit Union and Brooke Communications.

Take-home information on safety around the water, prizes and giveaways will be available.

Safety tips to practice when in and around the water include:

*Never swim alone

*Adults should constantly and actively watch their children

*Inexperienced and non-swimmers should wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket

*Parents or guardians of young children should be within an arm’s reach

*Children and adults should not engage in breath holding activities

Go to www.ymcaofdouglascounty.org/swim for more information. The Water Safety Day will run from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.