Learn about water safety and drowning prevention at the City of Irvine Water Safety Challenge Saturday, May 22, 1-3 p.m., at William Woollett Jr. Aquatics Center. This event is held in collaboration with Stop Drowning Now to bring awareness to the dangers of drowning, which is the leading cause of accidental death in the United States for children younger than 5 years old and the second leading cause of accidental death for kids under the age of 14. 

Due to COVID-19 precautions, this year's event will not feature swim lessons, but instead will provide opportunities for children and adults to take water safety challenges on their own at stations set up throughout the aquatics center. In-water challenges will start every 15 minutes to ensure social distancing guidelines are followed.

Participate in water or on land. Stations include:

• CPR
• Beach Safety
• Reach & Throw
• Identifying Dangers Around the Water
• Safe Swimming Skills

All participants leave with a Water Watcher badge and Water Safety Challenge certificate. The Water Safety Challenge event is free. All ages are welcome; participants 17 and younger require a parent or adult guardian be present. Registration is required at yourirvine.org.