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Operation Splash: Free Program Teaches Kids to Swim, Not Sink When It Comes to Healthy Living
Photo by Lucy in LA via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr
Tomorrow marks the first day of summer, though our overcast skies tell another much gloomier story. Today happens to mark the day when several public City-operated swimming pools open up for the season. It also marks the launch of Operation Splash, a free "learn-to-swim project for area youth," run in partnership by the City of Los Angeles and Kaiser Permanente, according to abc7.A ribbon-cutting was held at Harvard Park in South Los Angeles, it's "been nearly a decade since the Harvard Park area has had a pool," and residents are eager to dive in. Learning how to swim is a luxury for many kids, and Operation Splash wants to make the fun sport accessible to kids in under-served populations. The program will provide lessons for about 6,000 kids and their families to get valuable swimming skills, and the chance to participate in an activity that will help them lead safe and healthy lives.
Know some kids who might want to take the plunge? Press materials explain that the "program runs through Labor Day [...] with an additional eight days extended run to mid-September at seven of the city pools. To learn more about Operation Splash and eligibility requirements, individuals can visit the City Recreation and Parks Department website or call the Aquatics Office at 323-906-7953. Registration is on-site at participating pool locations."
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