Virginia Water Safety Coalition

Water Safety Awareness Event Planner

Planning Checklist

 
Event Planner Contents
 
 

1. Research local statistics/incidents. Use this information to localize your event and "sell" the story to the media and potential collaborators.

2. Contact area water safety experts for their assistance.

3. Form a local event planning committee by contacting support groups and agencies in your area — participation will be dependent on area needs and resources.
 
• Aquatic Facility • Local Pool & Fencing Companies
• Coast Guard • Local YMCA and YWCA
• Local Hospital • Local Parks & Recreation Department
• Health Clubs • Local American Red Cross
• American Heart Association • Safe Kids
• Local Beach Patrol  
• Local Drowning Prevention groups (Virginia Water Safety Coalition)
• Local Fire & Police Departments, Rescue Squads
 

 

4. Identify appropriate location for event.

5. Identify and recruit volunteers for day of event.

6. Promotion — The Key to Success!
 

• Free Avenues — Public Service, to run 1 & 2 weeks before event
 

• Local paper
• Local TV & Radio
• Public Access Channel - cable TV

• Recreational publications
• Educational publications
• Church bulletins and other places of worship
 

• Flyers — 2 to 4 weeks before event
 

• Local Pool
• Schools
• Libraries

• Parks & Recreation Centers
• Pediatrician offices
• Dentist offices

 
 

• Posters — 4 weeks before event
 

Grocery Stores
• Drug Stores
• Local Pools

• Pediatrician & Dentist Offices
• Health Clubs
• All businesses that are affiliated with event
 

7. Identify agencies who will display and/or hand out materials on day of event.

8. Consider soliciting in-kind donations for concession area, incentives, etc.

9. Consider necessary security for event.

10. Distribute station guidelines to all volunteers.

11. Schedule a "dry run"/rehearsal to familiarize all volunteers with the program.

12. Develop a display area for safety materials. Encourage all involved agencies to provide promotional material related to the health and safety of participants.
 

Event Planner Contents