With the summer recreation season in full swing, Aquilla Volunteer Fire Department held an outreach program to educate children about water safety Saturday, June 22.
Children enjoyed hot dogs, popsicles, a firefighter dunking booth and had the opportunity to view fire trucks while learning summer safety tips.
In addition to stressing the importance of having an adult present while children are in the water and wearing a life jacket, Aquilla VFD teamed up with the family of Lily Avant to spread amoeba awareness and the importance of nose plugs in fresh bodies of water.
On Labor Day weekend 2019, Lily complained of a headache after a family reunion where she went swimming in the Brazos River. She later began running a fever and was treated for a common viral infection. After she became unresponsive, it was determined she had contracted Naegleria fowleri, which ultimately claimed her life.
Lily’s family has been raising awareness and encouraging others to “stop, plug, then play” ever since.
Because these infections are so rare and hard to detect, diagnosis sometimes happens after a person has died, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
According to the Brazos River Authority (BRA), those who live in warmer-weather states such as Texas should assume there is a risk when entering all warm freshwater bodies.
BRA reports that those entering bodies of water can greatly reduce the risk of being infected by avoiding submerging their heads when swimming in freshwater. Nose plugs can also offer an effective safeguard. Also, avoid digging or stirring up sediment in the water.
The event included a demonstration of water rescues to help kids see what it will look like if they ever need to be rescued in water. The goal was to eliminate any fears they may have about first responders dressed in safety gear and explain the importance of remaining calm.
“One drowning is one too many, and we want to do our part to protect our community,” said Heather Huish of Aquilla VFD.
“We have amazing support during fundraiser events, and we wanted a way to give back and invest in our community in ways other than your standard fire department involvement,” she added.
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