COLUMBUS, OH – Increased awareness of swimming safety is the goal of a new SwimSafe! campaign at Ohio State Parks this summer. The program will kick off during the upcoming Memorial Day weekend and will run through the summer swimming season.

Ohio State Parks is focusing the public awareness campaign on parents and adult guardians of children who visit state park beaches, reminding them that in addition to packing sun lotion, beach toys and snacks, they should "watch the kids" while at the beach.

"We want our visitors to look forward to a fun and safe time at Ohio State Parks’ beaches this summer," said Dan West, chief of the Division of Parks & Recreation. "Families can enjoy a great day of recreation and remain safe by keeping an eye on the kids when they are near or in the water."

Ohio State Parks offer 63 beaches on 47 inland lakes, as well as 10 beaches on Lake Erie. Last year 4.6 million people visited state park beaches across Ohio.

To more effectively communicate the SwimSafe! message, Ohio State Parks has enlisted the support of corporate partners Coca-Cola and Domino’s Pizza to promote the program. Coca-Cola will promote SwimSafe! through a statewide radio advertising campaign; with reminders attached to bottles at retail outlets, and with specially marked products in vending machines that will invite purchasers to register for 50 complimentary Ohio State Parks camping holidays. Domino’s will promote SwimSafe! with safety reminders attached to pizza boxes sold through its 500-plus Ohio outlets.

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For Further Information Contact:
Jim Henahan, ODNR Division of Parks & Recreation
(614) 265-6560
-or-
Jane Beathard, ODNR Media Relations
(614) 265-6860