Drowning Prevention Coalition Hosts Christian Castle Lifeguard Olympics On Sunday

Events held at new Fort Bliss Aquatic Training Center, 20733 Constitution Ave.

The Drowning Prevention Coalition was formed in March, 2010 through the efforts of Laura and Eddie Castle, parents of Christian Castle who passed away through a drowning 7 years ago. 31 different community organizations, groups and agencies in the city have come together as one with the following mission statement: “To promote, develop and support training and community education efforts that prevent drowning, near drowning and other water related incidents in El Paso County and the surrounding areas.”

Several local events have been hosted by the Coalition such as the Price’s Creameries April Pools Day and city – wide Citizen CPR Day in coordination with the El Paso Fire Department and the American Red Cross, Learn to Swim Program initiatives, and ongoing efforts of teaching water safety for all bodies of water to individuals of all ages.

The Drowning Prevention Coalition will host the 4^th Annual Christian Castle Lifeguard Olympics at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, August 4, 2013 at the Fort Bliss Aquatic Training Center, 20733 Constitution Avenue on East Bliss off the Spur 601. The competitive event will highlight the training and duties that lifeguards experience on a daily basis in their day to day jobs while competing against lifeguard groups from the entire area.

Events include Victim Rescue Relay, Passive Submerged Victim Rescue, Shallow Water Backboarding, Backboard Treading Competition, Rescue Tube Relay, 2 Person CPR/AED Scenario Testing, Rescue Breathing Scenario and Individual Obstacle Course.

Participating teams are from Fort Bliss, YMCA, Eastwood Heights Pool, Wet and Wild Waterworld, and the City of El Paso Parks and Recreation Department.