June 6, 2019 | From City of New Orleans
MAYOR CANTRELL AND NORD CALL ON THE COMMUNITY TO DONATE NEW SWIMSUITS TO RESIDENTS IN NEED THIS SUMMER
NEW ORLEANS – On Monday, Mayor LaToya Cantrell and the New Orleans Recreation Development (NORD) Commission began the countdown to the 2019 pool season with its annual Splash Day event and by calling on the community to donate new swimsuits to residents of all ages in need this summer. The call underscores the City’s effort to make sure all New Orleans residents have access to the City’s 17 free public pools, and the free swim lessons offered year-round.
This year City outdoor pools opened on June 2 and will close on a rolling basis until Sept. 2. The full schedule of pool hours may be found by visiting www.nordc.org.
The call for a city-wide swimsuit drive came after observing kids and adults being turned away from City pools for not having the proper swimming attire. For swimmers’ health and safety, residents are only allowed in the pool, or on the pool deck, if they are wearing proper swimwear. This is a national pool health and safety rule that is implemented by the American Red Cross.
Starting today, NORD will collect new swimwear in youth and adult sizes for males and females. Drop-off sites are listed below and on the NORD website. Items may be dropped off at any of the locations below now until Aug. 30, 2019, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday-Friday:
- All NORD recreation centers and pools
- NORD administration office, 5420 Franklin Ave.
- City Hall, 1300 Perdido St.
NORD indoor pools offer free swim lessons to residents year-round, while select outdoor pools offer swim lessons during the summer season. Water aerobics, lap swim, water yoga and pre-lifeguard training classes are also offered during the summer season.
Monetary donations to the swimsuit drive may be made on the NORD Foundation website, www.nordfoundation.org. The NORD Foundation also set up a special event registry though Walmart and added swimsuits in many different sizes that may be purchased directly on the Walmart site to be delivered to NORD. If a purchase requires you to identify a person to pick up your order please enter Executive Director Rebecca Conwell’s name and the number of the Foundation, 504-919-6049.
For more information about donations, pool locations, water safety courses, or NORD please visit, www.nordc.org or call (504) 658-3052.
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