Kaiser Brings ‘Operation Splash’ to the Coachella Valley
Kaiser Permanente announced today that it is bringing Operation Splash to the Coachella Valley for 2009, by providing a $48,000 grant that will fund free swim lessons for 1,200 low-income adults and children this summer. The free swimming program begins June 13.
Operation Splash began in 2006 in Los Angeles, and with its expansion to Bakersfield, Ventura, Fontana, Riverside, Coachella Valley and Chula Vista, the program has now grown to a $2.1 million commitment to improve swim safety and expand access to public pools throughout Southern California.
“In addition to promoting safety, Operation Splash encourages children to be more active. And the more active they become, the healthier they will be,” said Vita Willett, Executive Director, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan and Hospitals. “This program is a great example of what can be done through the power of community partnerships.”
"Operation Splash provides a fun and vital service for children in the Coachella Valley, “said Stan Ford, Desert Recreation District General Manager. "This partnership with Kaiser Permanente will offer free swim lessons and provide for a summer of safe, healthy and fun activities at our pools."
“We are thrilled that Kaiser Permanente’s Operation Splash is being funded this summer,” said Rudy Acosta, Desert Recreation District Board President. “This will encourage more children to learn to swim and be more active this summer.
“We thank Kaiser Permanente for partnering with the Desert Recreation District by collaborating with us to provide healthy activities for our kids,” continued Acosta. “We have already seen the positive benefits of learning to swim and maintaining a healthy lifestyle in our communities.”& amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; lt; /p>
The mission of Operation Splash is to support aquatic facilities and swim programs that help increase physical activity in low-income areas, diminish the risk of chronic disease, and build strong bodies. The program encourages all participants to become water-safe in a fun and healthy environment. Residents can check eligibility at local participating community pools.
To find out about participating pools, e-mail Desert Recreation District at Desert Rec District or call 347-3484. Registration is onsite at participating locations.
Kaiser Permanente Sponsored Swim Lesson Pool Locations
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Pawley Pool Family Aquatic Center 46-350 South Jackson Street Indio, CA 92210 760-342-5665 |
Bagdouma Pool 84-626 Bagdad Street Coachella, CA 92236 760-342-5665 |
Mecca Community Center and Pool 65-250 Coahuilla Street Mecca, CA 92254 760-342-5665 |
About Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is America’s leading integrated health plan. Kaiser Permanente’s Southern California Region is a nonprofit, group practice prepayment program headquartered in Pasadena, California. Kaiser Permanente serves the health care needs of 3.3 million Southern California members from Bakersfield to San Diego. It encompasses the nonprofit Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc., Kaiser Foundation Hospitals and their subsidiaries, and the for-profit Southern California Permanente Medical Group. Kaiser Permanente's Southern California Region includes more than 47,000 technical, administrative and clerical employees and caregivers, and more than 5,200 physicians representing all specialties. More information about Kaiser Permanente can be found at www.kaiserpermanente.com .
About Desert Recreation District
Desert Recreation District has served the residents of the Coachella Valley since 1950 and is a public provider of recreational programs, activities and special events. Operating 6 community centers, 37 after-school sites and 3 swimming pools across the valley, the District strives to be on a first-name basis with the health and welfare of each individual member so that lives are enriched and futures ensured. The District also hosts various special events across the Valley including 3 free concert series, the Soap Box Derby, International Sports Festival and many other fun, family events.