IID water safety campaign underway

As summer approaches, Imperial Irrigation District is again reminding children and adults to stay out of the canals.

The IID Board of Directors has declared May to be Water Safety Month in Imperial Valley, and the district has begun sharing its water safety message with up to 21,000 schoolchildren with its mascot, Dippy Duck, as the school year winds down.

The district is presenting its “Stay Active. Play Safe. Be Cool” water safety campaign to local schools virtually this year due to COVID-19. The program began April 28 and will run through June 9.

The rules remain constant: · Never swim in a canal.

· Never play near a canal.

· Never jump in a canal.

“Dippy Duck made his first appearance in 1966,” said Susie Carrillo, water safety coordinator, “and we are so excited to continue sharing his very important water safety message for the 56th year.”

Carrillo added the district will continue to assist local cities with grant funds so that they can host water activities throughout the summer.