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Important Recall for Inflatable Baby Toys

Splash into Summer with Pool Safety Programs

Summer is around the corner, and so are your opportunities to make a splash with your residents! Take advantage of great water safety programs this summer to help your residents enjoy the water and take precautions against drowning! The Houston Apartment Association is proud to bring you the following opportunities.

FREE Train the Trainer Sessions by the Houston Red Cross

Learn the best ways to put on a water safety program for your residents at one of the Red Cross' upcoming training sessions. At Train the Trainer, you will learn about how to publicize and host a pool safety event, receive education on topics to cover and have the opportunity to network with other apartment community employees.

Bring your ideas to share, and come ready to learn!

Red Cross FM 1960 Office on May 12th from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
14503 Bammel North Houston Ste. 210, Houston TX 77014

Red Cross Fort Bend Office on May 13th from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
2610 B. F. Terry Blvd, Rosenberg, TX 77471

Red Cross Headquarters Office on May 14th from 8a.m. to 12 p.m.
2700 Southwest Freeway, Houston, Texas 77098

Red Cross Baytown Office on May 14th from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
5309 Decker Drive, Baytown, TX 77520

Space is limited, so reserve your spot for any of the sessions by contacting Gidget Swift at the Red Cross at gswift@ghac.org.


Apartment Splash Program with the Greater Houston YMCA

For the third consecutive year, HAA is partnering with the Greater Houston YMCA to provide swim lessons to children in apartment communities. Properties that take part in Apartment Splash pay $600 and receive one week of on-site swim lessons for children with trained lifeguards.

One component of the program teaches children to swim, float and survive in the water, another component of the program is geared toward teaching parents to watch their children in the water. Participants will also receive water safety handouts and giveaways as part of the program!

Spaces in this program are also limited, so please contact Kristine Meyerson with the YMCA at kristinem@ymcahouston.orgor 713-353-5207, to sign up today!


HAA also has information available about the new federal requirements for pool drain cover retrofits under the Virginia Graeme Baker Act on the HAA website. If you have questions about water safety programs or laws related to pools, please contact Andy Teas at ateas@haaonline.org or at 713-595-0303.

Water Safety

It is almost inevitable that we will continue to see headlines and TV news stories about children who have drowned. Sadder still, drowning tragedies are often preventable with a little parental attention and some basic water safety education.

According to the Houston Fire Department, “Active, focused, adult supervision is the most important safety measure to prevent a water-related tragedy involving a child. The vast majority of children who drown in pools do so in the backyards of their own homes or of relatives.” The Houston Apartment Association urges residents and their children to learn pool safety practices and CPR. Help your family stay safe by reviewing the water safety resources available at these sites:

Information on the Apartment Splash Program:

• Houston Fire Department’s tips on pool safety. More on WaterWise, a partnership to spread the word about swimming lessons and water safety.
• Download a water safety brochure in English.Download a water safety brochure in Spanish.
• Read the June 2008 article in Abode magazine regarding water safety. (see page 30)
30)
• If you are a manager of a property and would like to participate in HAA’s 2008 Waterwise Partnership with the YMCA. For only $600, you can have lifeguards provide swim lessons for your residents at your property’s pool.