Desert Recreation District gets check for more than $40,000

It was the kickoff to Operation Splash at Bagdouma Community Pool in Coachella on Saturday.

Kids and their families enjoyed a day in the sun, splashed in the pool and played with friends. All of this was made possible with the help of the Desert Recreation District.

“This pool is very important to the community, to the Coachella residents; they love this pool. You’re staying cool and getting outside and swimming is very active,” said Kyle Pleming, the aquatic specialist for the Desert Recreation District.

Kaiser Permanente played a big role in the districts ability to provide free swim classes and scholarships to families in the area.

“Kaiser Permanente has a real focus and we give away money to organizations that represent that idea. And we’ve been supporting them for nine years now,” said Corey Seale with Kaiser Permanente.

This $42,000 was donated to the organization.

“The greatest part about this is that they use the money to provide free services to the folks in this community and what we want is kids active and parents active,” said Seale.

Parents said it’s amazing to have swim lessons provided for free. Christina Wright said her kids love coming back year after year.

“This is the third year my kids are participating in Operation Splash. They enjoy it and they look forward to it every summer. And as long as it’s available, we will continue to do it to better their swim skills,” Wright said.

Most important of all, the money allows the district to spread the word about pool safety.

“Safety is our number one, our main focus and our priority. Learning the safety in and around the water, at home, at the public pool and even the beaches,” said Pleming.