Water safety has been a common theme this summer on Lake Tapps, with good reason. East Pierce Fire and Rescue (EPFR) has hosted summer Splash-Tacular events at Pierce County North Tapps Park since 2008. Due to the drowning at Allan Yorke Park last year, EPFR has decided to beef up the annual Splash-Tacular event by adding a second date at Allan Yorke Park.

Open water safety concepts will be taught by experts from EPFR, Bonney Lake Police Department, Pierce County Sheriff and Sumner/Bonney Lake Aquatic Center. Activities such as life jacket relays, B-I-N-G-O and on-shore fishing games will take place for kids of all ages to learn about drowning prevention. Participants will also have the opportunity to squirt water from a fire hose and use professional tools to see and communicate with underwater divers.

Although Splash-Tacular is not a part of the SwimSafe coalition, the goals of each program go hand-in-hand. EPFR Public Education Specialist Dina Sutherland said the SwimSafe and Splash-Tacular agendas fully support each other. She said she’s thrilled to work closely with local law enforcement and community leaders to offer interactive learning opportunities throughout the warm season.

An integral component of open water safety is properly using life jackets — perhaps even the most important part — said Sutherland. Life jacket sales will be available at both Splash-Tacular events, provided the intended wearer is present to ensure a custom-fit.

“Life jackets are so important,” said Sutherland. “If you wear them, they work!”

Splash-Tacular events will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 27 at North Tapps Park and Saturday, August 10 at Allan Yorke Park. Attendance is free but please note, North Tapps Park does not offer free parking.