The Ditch & Water Safety Task Force is asking children to pledge to never go into a ditch or an arroyo, and if they do see someone enter a ditch or an arroyo to promise not to go in after them, but to call 911.
The Ditch & Water Safety Task Force was established in 1983 and is comprised of county departments, including the fire department, flood control authority, Albuquerque Public Schools, APD Open Space unit, aquatics and the Rio Grande Conservancy.
The task force aims at accomplishing at least 100 safety presentations per year to elementary and middle schools, and well as adult organizations.
Arroyo flooding, especially during the summer monsoon season, can be deadly and only take a matter of minutes to sweep away people in its path, as water can travel up 30 mph in a flash storm, according to cabq.gov.
It’s simple to make the pledge online and get a swim pass emailed, or people can go to any Albuquerque Fire Rescue or APD Area command’s locations in person to make the pledge and pick up a pass.
The participating pool locations are West Mesa Aquatic Center, Sierra Vista Pool and Eisenhower Pool, and pledge passes are good until the end of the season, expiring Sept. 1. Participants for the passes must be 17 years old or younger.
For the list of in-person locations or to take the pledge online, click here.
