This year, Campus Recreation is proud to host a Water Safety Day in our very own Tootell Aquatic Center! On Sunday, March 29th, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., local scout troops and community children will be welcomed into the aquatic center to learn about water safety tactics and build confidence. Families are encouraged to give their kids the opportunities to learn safety around the water, especially as the summer approaches.
Campus Recreation upholds the mission of being active, being well, and belonging. This is not limited to the student body here at URI, but extends to all community members. While it may seem obvious that our core audience is URI students, we prioritize our surrounding community just as much and have strived to be a pillar in our community as much as possible in our offerings. Families need to have outlets for their children to learn about water safety and various life skills in fun, encouraging environments. This event is designed to provide these hands-on learning opportunities for kids. With 11 stations for kids to attend throughout the day, there will be ample interactive activities to learn from. Below are the names of each station.
1) HELP and Huddle positions
2) Using Clothing for Floating
3) Think So You Don’t Sink
4) Sun Safety
5) Look Before You Leap + Diving
6) Open Water Safety/ Know About Boating
7) How to Call for Help
8) Wound Care
9) Build-Your-Own First Aid Kit
10) Reach or Throw, Don’t Go
11) Safe Games
Accidents can happen at any moment, making it critical for kids to know how to respond confidently and make decisions. HELP and Huddle Positions are important for children to learn to stay together, conserve heat and energy, and increase visibility. Encouraging children to practice floating techniques and thinking strategies while in the water is an incredibly useful skill that could make all the difference in urgent situations.
Sun Safety is also a major practice to instill in children at a young age. Impacting a large majority of children, young kids aren’t always sure how to adequately protect themselves from the sun, either with sunscreen or covering clothing. Helpful tools and tricks will be taught to children to benefit their skin health, and provide knowledge to better their well-being.
Water can be deceiving, especially for children. Learning situation awareness and water safety, including caution around the water, differing types of water, and depths of water, proved an incredibly useful tool. Especially around the ocean, it is important for kids to learn how to be cautious and properly enjoy the water. Reach or Throw, Don’t Go is a simple yet strong skill to remember that can be easily taught to children and prevent harm in the case of an emergency. Learning how to swim and practice safety techniques is especially valuable in a pool setting, where the depth is clearly visible and there are certified instructors present to foster a safe environment. Water Safety Day enhances a low-stress, educational, and safe environment. This will encourage kids to think critically and develop valuable life skills.
URI is an environment for education, both inside and out of the classroom. Programs like these allow community members to learn critical life skills that will empower them for their lives, encouraging critical thinking skills in case of emergencies. Some core values for scouts include strength, morality, and obedience, but are not limited to just scouts. These values are core for all children, and this community day will not only allow for confidence building, but will reinforce responsibility, teamwork, and instill real and useful values at a young age. This event is not just limited to scouts, but welcomes children of all ages. Registration is open now and closes March 1st. The cost of the program is free and can be accessed through this link.
By Erin Mullaney
Major: Political Science and Criminal Justice
Graduating May 2026