IID Declares May as Water Safety Month

As the summer heat steadily approaches and school breaks loom on the horizon, the Imperial Irrigation District (IID) Board of Directors has taken a proactive step to ensure the safety of residents in the Imperial Valley. During its May 7 meeting, the Board officially declared the month of May as "Water Safety Month."

This resolution paves the way for the continuation of IID's renowned water safety program, featuring the beloved mascot, Dippy Duck. With the school year winding down, Dippy Duck will embark on a mission to spread the water safety message to schoolchildren across Imperial County, emphasizing the importance of staying safe around water throughout the summer.

"IID is thrilled to continue delivering this crucial water safety message to our community," remarked Susie Carrillo, IID's Community Outreach Officer. "The water safety presentations, led by our iconic mascot Dippy Duck, have become a highly anticipated tradition for school administrators, teachers, and students alike. The message is clear: stay away from canals to stay safe."

Under the banner of "Stay Active. Play Safe. Be Cool," the awareness campaign kicked off in late April and reinforces Dippy Duck's three cardinal rules:

- Never swim in a canal

- Never play near a canal

- Never jump in a canal

This impactful water safety program dates back to 1959, with Dippy Duck making his inaugural appearance in 1966. Each year, the message reaches approximately 21,000 elementary school students, raising awareness about the dangers of canals while promoting safe practices. As part of the program, Dippy Duck also makes appearances at various summer programs to reinforce his water safety rules.

In recent years, the initiative has been bolstered with the installation of signs near canals, serving as constant reminders to the community to steer clear of these potentially hazardous areas. Additionally, IID will continue to provide grant funds to support water activities throughout the summer, furthering their commitment to water safety.

IID extends its gratitude to all school districts, cities, and communities in Imperial County for their unwavering support and collaboration in spreading the water safety message.

As the largest irrigation district in the nation, IID maintains over 3,100 miles of canals and drains in Imperial County, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing safety around water bodies.