With summer temperatures rising across the San Gabriel Valley, more residents are heading to pools, lakes, and beaches. Water safety for kids and adults is critical, and several local organizations offer swimming lessons and CPR training to help prevent accidents.
Swimming Lessons in Your Community
Learning to swim is a vital skill that reduces drowning risk. According to the American Red Cross, formal lessons can lower the chance of drowning by 88 percent for children aged 1 to 4. In El Monte, the El Monte Aquatic Center provides affordable swim classes for all ages and skill levels. Families can register for group lessons, private instruction, and adaptive aquatic programs. Details and schedules are posted on the City of El Monte’s website at El Monte Aquatic Center.
In Baldwin Park, the Morgan Park Pool offers a full schedule of youth and adult lessons through the Baldwin Park Recreation and Community Services Department. Instructors certified by the American Red Cross teach water safety fundamentals, including floating, treading water, and basic strokes. More information is available at Baldwin Park Recreation.
Rosemead residents can access swimming instruction at the Rosemead Aquatic Center, which provides seasonal swim classes and water exercise programs. The center serves children as young as six months old through parent-and-child sessions. Registration details can be found on the city’s website at Rosemead Aquatic Center.
CPR Training for Emergency Response
Knowing how to perform CPR can save lives in emergencies. According to the American Heart Association, immediate CPR can double or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival. Several local agencies host training courses for residents.
In South El Monte, the South El Monte Community Center regularly offers American Heart Association Heartsaver CPR and First Aid classes. These sessions teach adults and teens to recognize cardiac emergencies and provide chest compressions and rescue breaths. The center’s staff can be contacted for class dates at (626) 579-2043.
The Irwindale Recreation Department also sponsors CPR certification classes throughout the year. Courses are open to residents and non-residents and cover CPR for adults, children, and infants, as well as automated external defibrillator (AED) use. Visit Irwindale Recreation for upcoming sessions and registration information.
Residents may also consider training through the San Gabriel Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross, which hosts frequent courses at various locations across the region. Registration is available online at American Red Cross Training.
Staying Safe This Summer
Local officials urge residents to follow safety precautions around all bodies of water. The City of El Monte recommends designating a “water watcher” when children swim, installing pool fences, and learning basic rescue techniques. Wearing U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets in open water is strongly encouraged, especially for young children and inexperienced swimmers.
As community pools and recreation areas reopen, taking proactive steps can help keep summer outings safe and enjoyable. By enrolling in swimming lessons and completing CPR certification, families can build the confidence and skills needed to respond in an emergency.
