Safe Summer Water Fun

A new survey conducted by the American Red Cross shows the importance of water safety skills, with half of those surveyed saying they have had an experience where they nearly drowned in their lifetime.
Nearly 1 in 3 said they had nearly drowned when they were between 5 and 15 years old.

§ This summer, many families are planning water activities at places without a lifeguard, making water safety training more important than ever.
More than 90% (93%) of those parents with children between the ages of 3 and 17 have plans to participate in water-related activities this summer.
48% plan to engage in water-related activities where no lifeguards would be on duty. Red Cross recommends swimming in areas supervised by a lifeguard. If no lifeguard is on duty, designate an adult as a “water watcher,” someone who maintains constant supervision of children around any water, no matter how well they can swim or how shallow the water.

§ The Red Cross survey found that nearly one in three parents (30 percent) believe that "floaties" are better than supervision.
Don't substitute “active” or constant supervision and the use of flotation devices such as arm floaties. Children–even adults–who are not strong swimmers should use U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices whenever they are in or around the water.

§ Now more than ever, with so many families making plans to be in or around water this summer, the Red Cross is urging families to learn to swim and learn water safety and lifesaving skills that can help save a life.
Most water-related accidents can be avoided by knowing how to stay safe and following a few simple guidelines.
Everyone should know how to swim well.
The Red Cross offers a comprehensive swimming and water safety program that teaches children and adults to learn how to swim skillfully and safely.

§ Water safety is particularly important for pool owners as almost 10% had experiences where they nearly drowned in a private pool.
It is important that pool owners know what to do and what equipment to have on hand to make the home pool or hot tub environment as safe as possible.
Enroll in water safety and learn-to-swim courses or CPR and First Aid courses offered by the Red Cross.

§ Contact us here at the Chapter House to learn more about Learn to Swim, CPR and First Aid classes.

Donors needed now and throughout the summer.

“O” we need you this summer” says Lynne Whatley, Executive Director of the Union County Chapter. Slumps in blood donations are typical during June, July and August as donors become busy with summer activities and overlook donating blood. We are asking all eligible donors to make or keep appointments to give blood this summer to help maintain a stable blood supply for ongoing or emergency needs. Just one seriously injured patient can require dozens of blood products to survive.”

All blood types are needed, but Type O-negative is in especially high demand since it can be transfused to patients with any other blood type and is often used especially in emergency situations.

“Currently the Central Ohio Region has only a half day supply of type O-negative blood.” Whatley emphasizes. “Approximately 100 pints of O-negative blood are needed each day in Central Ohio. With just a half day supply of Type O-negative blood currently, we are urging eligible Type O-negative individuals to donate.

You can be the difference between an adequate blood supply and a summer shortage. To schedule an appointment, visit www.BLOODSavesLives.org. You can also visit our chapter website at chapters.redcross.org/oh/unioncounty, call our office at 937/642-6651 or stop by our office at 112 East 5th Street. Upcoming drives are as follows:
6/15/2009 Richwood United Methodist Church - Fellowship Hall
1:00 pm - 7:00 pm Open to public

6/18/2009 Catholic Community Center - Gym
12:00 pm - 6:00 pm Open to public

6/20/2009 Roby Auto Group
9:30 am - 2:30 pm Open to public

6/22/2009 Union County Family YMCA
1:00 pm - 7:00 pm Open to public

6/26/2009 Memorial Hospital - Women's center
9:00 am - 3:00 pm Open to public


6/27/2009 First UMC Marysville - Family Life Center
8:00 am - 2:00 pm Open to public

6/29/2009 Marysville Elks Lodge
1:00 pm - 7:00 pm Open to public

6/30/2009 Union County American Red Cross building/1st floor vacant space
Open to public
6/30/2009 Best Buy
1:00 pm - 7:00 pm Open to public

7/5/2009 Milford Center Lions Club Building 4-H club
12:00 pm - 4:00 pm Open to public

BE SURE TO ASK ABOUT SPECIAL PROMOTIONS AT THE UPCOMING DRIVES TO INCLUDE Cedar Point Discount Coupon Give AWAY, Saturn Lease promotion, Nascar Tickets Drawing, and the Gun’s and Hoses campaign.

In addition to providing blood donation services to our community, the Union County Chapter also provides relief to victims of disaster, trains thousands in lifesaving skills, serves as a communication link between U.S. military members and their families, and assists our neighbors around the country who are victims of disasters or conflicts

If you are at least 17 years of age, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and are in good general health, you may be eligible to donate blood. All donors need to present positive identification. The need is constant. The gratification is instant. Give blood.™

Union County Chapter of the American Red Cross - Board Members

Union County Chapter of the American Red Cross Board Members
The Union County Chapter Board of Directors is a body of volunteers:
The local board is responsible to the National Board of Governors of the American Red Cross. The primary responsibility of the local board is to ensure that the chapter has adequate resources to carry out the Mission of the Red Cross and to implement the chapter’s strategic plan, and for ensuring the proper management of chapter resources.
Pete Emmons:Chairperson
Steve Bell: Board Vice-Chair
Lori Jones: Board Treasurer
Sandy DeBlanc: Board Secretary
Mary Walker
Cindy Maxhimer
Kevin Potter
Spence Fisher
Jim Yobaggy
Fred LaFrance
Cathy Oetker
Dani Plank
Chris Yapp