DOVER — Summer is a time for fun, especially when the temperatures begin to heat up and outdoor activities become much more frequent.
However, with more things to do for entertainment — including diving into the ocean, a lake or a swimming pool — the dangers to individuals begin to increase.
That’s why Kent County’s Parks and Recreation Division will host its 18th annual Safe Summer Day from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday at Brecknock Park in Camden.
Safety and health professionals will be at the free event that is designed to ensure that everyone enjoys a healthy and safe start to the summer season.
“This event would be best described as a community awareness event,” said Sgt. John Witzke, an EMS with Kent County Levy Court and co-chair of the event. “We have multiple nonprofit agencies that provide valuable services to our community and while this information is available in the public domain, it may not be easily accessed by our community.
“This event brings these agencies together under one ‘roof’ to benefit our community. In addition to information, Kent County Levy Court uses this event as a prelude to a wonderful summer full of adventure and excitement for our youth.”
Sgt.Witzke anticipates more than 40 agencies will participate in the Summer Safe Day event, including: Bayhealth, Crisis Intervention, Delaware Electric Co-op, DEMA, Delaware State Fire School, Domestic Violence Coordination Council, Dover YMCA, Civil Air Patrol-Eagle Cadet Squadron, Office of Highway Safety, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 12-05, Westside Family Healthcare, and others.
There will be plenty of activities and things for families to see and do, with an inflatable slide for kids, a dunk booth and lots of demonstrations from different safety agencies.
Wayne McCarty, safety coordinator and facilities specialist for the Division of Parks and Recreation and co-chair, said he has one event he looks forward to every Safe Summer Day.
“My personal favorite is the Patriotic Presentation at noon,” Mr. McCarty said. “It gives the public the opportunity to thank all the first responders, law enforcement, military and medical folks for all they do for the nation and local community.”
Sgt. Witzke said Safe Summer Day will be a day filled with learning to be safe — while having fun at the same time.
“What we want to prevent are injuries that preclude our youth from enjoying their time away from school,” he said.
“Summer is a time of fun, relaxation and rejuvenation for us all and what better way to promote safety than with a day at Brecknock Park where local fire department, police and EMS agencies provide tips and information on how to safely enjoy these days of not only summer, but all year round.”