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Bob Sierra YMCA to Host Free Summer Safety Fair

The inaugural event is planned for mid-June

On Saturday, June 11, the Bob Sierra Youth & Family Center YMCA will open its doors to the public for its first annual Summer Safety Fair.

Targeted toward families with children 12 and under, the free festival at 4015 Ragg Road will run from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. with free entry to the center’s pool and water park.

The purpose of the event?

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“We are focusing on everything families need to know to be safe for the summer," said Kirsten Barton, senior program director for the YMCA.

Included in the educational portion of the festival is the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, who will be giving away free bike helmets to the first 300 children who stop by.

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The Tampa Police Department will host a presentation on drugs, and will present a K-9 drug dog demonstration.

“They will show kids how the dog sniffs out drugs,” said Barton. “We want to make it very interactive for the kids to make it fun for them.”

While the Hillsborough County Fire Department will provide information on fire safety, members of the YMCA will focus on water and swimming safety.

“We will discuss how to be safe in the water, whether in a lake, ocean or pool and do some demonstrations on that,” Barton said. “We will also do a presentation on basic first aid, CPR for kids. If you’re out with your friends and a friend begins choking, what can you do? It’s basic emergency preparedness all geared towards kids.” 

Dental, orthodontist and dermatologist experts will be on hand to discuss teeth and braces care, as well as skin care and sun screen. Child ID will fingerprint children for child identification cards.

St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital will provide information about its “Safe Ride to School Program.”

“They will also give information about ages, weights and sizes for car and booster seats,” said Barton.

In addition to the interactive educational activities, the YMCA will also have bounce houses and face-painting, and from 11a.m to 1 p.m. Radio Disney will be doing a live remote from the location with music, games and prizes.

“Since we are the YMCA, we are very community-minded. We want to express the importance of being safe. That’s why we decided to do this event. It’s right with school just letting out. We think it is perfect timing,” said Barton. “People are geared up for summer, so we can celebrate that summer is finally here.”

Information will also be available on summer camps and YMCA membership.

For more information on the Bob Sierra Youth & Family Center, or any other YMCA location, visit www.tampaymca.org

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