CEDAR HILL, Texas — Good vibes, good music and warm weather are all the makings of summertime.
“We decided let’s go out and have Memorial Day Weekend at the park. I have the day off, which is very rare,” said Dr. Anika Ayana James, a Navy sailor.
Her family is all about water activities.
“Being a Navy sailor, myself, it is imperative that my children practice good water safety,” said Dr. James. “We’ve lost family members to poor water safety, swimming accidents, things like that.”
They are risks that the Cedar Hill Fire Department and Texas Parks and Wildlife take seriously.
“A lot of people are just now getting back into the pool and we want to make sure before they have fun that they’re aware,” said Oscar Vasquez, Cedar Hill Fire Department Driver Engineer and Public Information Officer.
They kicked off their Life Vest Collection Campaign with the motto, “Donate a vest. Protect a life.” People can donate life jackets to every fire station in Cedar Hill. They can also use them for free at places such as the Cedar Hill State Park where there are no lifeguards.
“I think that’s a great idea,” said Dr. James. “Parents want their children to experience these experiences, but they themselves might not be strong swimmers. Now you have an ability for them to be able to go out there.”
Before people dive into that summer fun, the Cedar Hill Fire Department had some safety measures to consider.
“Always swim with a buddy. Have a partner, especially in the pool or in the lake…Have a designated adult there to supervise,” said Vasquez. “Let’s try to avoid alcohol. It impairs your judgement and puts you and others at high risks when it involves water activities.”
Cedar Hill Fire also offers CPR training. They said YMCA’s throughout the DFW area give free swimming lessons as well.
“This is a message to the people of North Texas that we need them to be our heroes,” said Vasquez. “Protect the people that’s alive, your family, your friends, your community by implementing water safety.”
Dr. James knows firsthand the comfort that following water safety can bring.
“Parents feel safe and secure that their children are out there actually having an awesome time,” said Dr. James.
To learn more about the Life Vest Collection Campaign, click here. Life jackets can be donated to the following Cedar Hill locations:
1. Fire Station 211
1212 W. Belt Line Road
2. Fire Station 212
1098 S. Clark Road
3. Fire Station 213
1430 High Point Drive
4. Fire Station 214
1205 Lake Ridge Pkwy
5. Cedar Hill State Park
1570 West FM 1382
Cedar Hill, TX 75104
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