Approximately 300 parents and children came to the Cigna Summer Itty Bitty Beach Party at Deer Valley Pool, located at 19400 N. 19th Ave. on June 17 to cool off in the pool and learn about water safety.

The poolside party is a free water safety event for children ages six and younger and their parents. The event is part of the Cigna HealthCare of Arizona and the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department’s Aquatic Section water safety education program, Cigna Summer. This is the 29th year the City of Phoenix and Cigna partnered to offer free water safety programs for children ages 17 years old and younger and discounted water aerobics classes for people ages 50 and older.

“Cigna strives to make a difference in the lives of children in the community. The goal of the program is to help educate parents and caregivers in the community to try and prevent tragedy near water,” said Lisa Jachowicz, Arizona Marketing Lead for Cigna. “The Itty Bitty Beach Party is a fun and interactive way to teach children and parents about the importance of being safe around water.”

The Itty Bitty Beach Party at Deer Valley Pool was one of four beach parties that were offered at City of Phoenix pools in June. In addition to free open swim, there was a water safety puppet show, CPR demonstrations, games and dance and swimsuit contests. Participants received Hawaiian leis, sunglasses and prizes. Buddy Bear, the City of Phoenix water safety mascot and Itty Bitty Bear danced and took pictures with children at the event. Watermill Express and Jamba Juice were also at the pool party with free water and smoothies and Sonic provided lunch.

Deer Valley Pool offered other Cigna Summer programs this summer including:
• Cub Club – ages seven-10
• Discovery Guards – ages 11-13
• Junior Lifeguard Training – ages 14-15
• Lifeguard Academy – ages 15-17
• Discounted Water Aerobics – ages 50 and older

“It’s important for people to stay active, even during the hot summer months, so Cigna partnered with the City of Phoenix for the twelfth year to offer discounted water aerobics classes to people ages 50 and older at 12 City of Phoenix Pools,” said Jachowicz. “We are proud of our ongoing partnership with the City of Phoenix and look forward to celebrating our 30th Cigna Summer next year.”

For more information about Cigna Summer, visit www.phoenix.gov/parks/pools or call 602-534-6587.