Hansen Dam is the largest municipal swimming pool in the country, and even though it was overcast and drizzling last Saturday, you couldn’t hold back the excited kids who were ready to jump in at the official opening of the summer season.
Kids were able to kayak, receive swim lesson evaluations and watch surfing demonstrations.
Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez and the Aquatics management team welcomed the crowd and stressed water safety by encouraging families to take advantage of affordable swimming lessons at a well-supervised environment like Hansen Dam.
“Summer has arrived and it’s important that we provide these programs for the community to partake in safe and accessible swim recreation,” said Rodriguez. “I thank our partners and the Department of Recreation and Park staff for providing these opportunities that make use of our treasured aquatic facilities that teach our kids these life-saving swim skills.”
Citing the California Department of Development Services, the councilwoman’s office noted that drowning is the leading cause of injury-related deaths among children ages five and under.
There are over 50 City of Los Angeles Aquatic Facilities that offer adaptive swimming lessons for children starting at 3 years of age to adults. Pools are equipped with ADA chair lifts with the ability for staff to make reasonable accommodations upon request.
Movie nights and concerts in the parks are also scheduled during the summer at various parks.
Additional summer activities at Hansen Dam include the Annual Summer Movie Nights “Lilo & Stitch” on Friday, July 21, and “Finding Nemo” on Aug. 4 at 6 p.m.
As the Fourth of July approaches, residents are encouraged to turn in illegal fireworks and instead attend a “sane and safe” public event. Councilwoman Rodriguez’s office will be offering gift cards to residents who turn in fireworks.
A Fourth of July Festival at Hansen Dam and city sponsored drone light show will be held on July 2 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. There will be live music, food, vendors and resource booths. The festival is free and open with fun for all ages.
The City of San Fernando will be holding a “Red White & Lights” celebration on July 1 at 6:00 p.m. in the city’s downtown.
Summer schedules for each pool may vary. For more information regarding pool use and to locate a LA City Pool, please visit www.swimla.org or call the Aquatics Division at (323) 906-7953.
To check for activities in LA City parks go to www.laparks.org
For information on summer activities in the City of San Fernando go to: www.sfcity.org/sfrecreation.