Families in Canyon County can attend a no-cost water safety training event this Saturday morning at a city aquatic facility, as drowning remains a leading cause of death among young children nationwide.
The Nampa Parks and Recreation Department will host the educational program from 10 a.m. until noon on Saturday, May 30, at Lakeview Water Park, located at 1304 7th Street North in Nampa. The event aims to teach children and parents essential safety practices before summer swimming season begins in earnest across the Treasure Valley.
Drowning Risks in Idaho and Nationwide
Drowning statistics underscore the urgency of water safety education. According to the YMCA, a person dies from drowning in the United States every 10 minutes. Federal health data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows drowning ranks as the second-leading cause of unintentional injury death for children between ages 5 and 14. For children ages 1 through 4, drowning surpasses all other causes of death, the CDC reported in January 2026.
Jessica Vanderpool, Aquatic Supervisor at Harward Recreation Center, noted that Idaho’s drowning rate exceeds the national average. City officials said Nampa has committed to expanding public education on water safety risks and prevention strategies.
What Families Will Learn
The Saturday training will feature multiple instructional stations covering critical safety topics. Canyon County Paramedics will demonstrate how to properly call 911 in an emergency and teach hands-only CPR techniques. Swim instructors from Nampa Parks and Recreation will provide instruction on in-water rescue skills.
Key safety messages include never swimming alone, avoiding breath-holding games underwater, and refraining from jumping into water to attempt a rescue. Officials recommend the “reach, throw, don’t go” approach when someone appears to be in distress in the water. Additional guidance covers entering water feet-first rather than diving headfirst, wearing life jackets when appropriate, and staying within designated swimming areas at pools, lakes, and other bodies of water.
Lifeguards receive specialized training to monitor swimmers and respond quickly when incidents occur, city officials said.
Free Pool Passes for Participants
Children attending the event will receive a game board requiring stamps from each educational station. Once they complete all stations and collect the necessary stamps, participants will earn a complimentary day pass valid at either Lakeview Water Park or Lincoln Pool.
Standard admission at Lakeview Water Park ranges from $2 for children up to age 5 to $4.50 for adults. City officials said the free passes provide an incentive for families to participate in the training while making summer recreation more accessible.
Nampa Aquatic Facilities Open for Summer
Beyond the city’s two swimming pools, Nampa residents can access free splash pads at Midway Park and Orah Brandt Park. The splash pads will remain open through Labor Day, providing additional no-cost water recreation options for families throughout Canyon County.
City officials emphasized that May serves as Water Safety Awareness Month, making the timing of Saturday’s event particularly relevant as school dismisses and outdoor water activities increase across the Treasure Valley.
How to Attend
The water safety training requires no advance registration and is open to all families at no charge. Parents and children can simply arrive at Lakeview Water Park on Saturday morning between 10 a.m. and noon to participate.
For additional information about the event or other Nampa recreation programs, residents can call 208-268-5858 or visit the city’s recreation website at namparecreation.org.