Child drownings are traumatic events for not only victims and their families, but for emergency responders as well. In efforts to educate children to be safe around water, AMR Ambulance conducts drowning prevention programs throughout the spring and summer months.

In May, they were joined by Fire Fighters, Lifeguards, and Sea World EMTs to read to elementary school students specially-designed books about water safety. Learning how to be safe using fictional characters such as "Stewie the Duck," and "Josh the Otter," the first responders read and sang with the children. They reached about 1,000 students in San Diego public schools, including those in areas where children are less likely to know how to swim. The National Drowning Prevention Alliance "Buddy Book Project" donated the books, which were left at the schools to be added to their libraries. In addition, AMR paramedics and EMTs visit the San Diego Junior Lifeguards' summer program annually to teach them about Emergency Medical Services and let them tour an ambulance.

These water safety initiatives are only one of a vast array of community safety education programs that AMR offers, thus proving their commitment to promoting a healthy, vibrant San Diego.