The City of Newport has been awarded a grant of $234,981 through the Pool Safely Grant Program, which aims to help prevent the drowning and drain entrapments of children in pools and spas by providing assistance toward implementing enforcement and education programs. Newport is one of 10 recipients for the grant in 2024, and is the first recipient in the state of Oregon in the program’s history.
“Our Aquatic Center isn’t just a Newport resource. It’s utilized by numerous communities in the coastal region, and the need to expand our aquatic safety programs continues to grow with that usage,” said Newport Parks and Recreation Director Mike Cavanaugh. “The Pool Safely Grant will assist us in in strengthening our safety programs, provide education and training of safety requirements, and safety equipment to the many users of the Newport Aquatic Center, helping us to potentially save lives and prevent serious injury.”
Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4, and is one of the leading causes of death for ages 5-9. The need for stronger safety awareness and education for children in pools and spas led to the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGB Act), which was passed by Congress and signed into law in 2007 before going into effect in 2008. This act authorizes the Pool Safely Grant Program, which has awarded over $9.8 million since 2016.
The Newport Aquatic Center and Recreation Center hosts over 60,000 visitors each year. With an array of aquatic options, the facility is utilized by community members and visitors within a wide radius of Newport, hosting a number of local, regional and statewide event throughout the year. In 2023, over 700 swim lessons were provided, a number that is expected to grow with the increasing awareness of pool and spa safety for children.
For more information on Pool Safely and its grant program, visit PoolSafely.gov. For Newport Aquatic Center schedules, visit NewportOregon.gov or on Facebook and Instagram @NewportParksAndRec.
Comments