(IID Water Safety Efforts).....The Imperial Irrigation District is continuing their effort to keep people out of the canals.

65 years ago they developed the IID Water Safety Programs. Water Safety Mascot Dippy Ducks debut was in 1959. The mascot has been successful in carrying the message across the Imperial Valley to stay away from canals and drains. From April 22nd thru June 7th, Dippy Duck visited as many schools as possible. To keep the message going, the Imperial Irrigation District is contributing $40,00 this summer to local cities and communities to help ensure kids as well as adults have a place to keep cool and safe. Grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 were awarded earlier this week. Funding recipients included the cities of Brawley, Calexico, Calipatria, El Centro, Holtville, Imperial and Westmorland, the Heber Public Utility District, Niland Chamber of Commerce, County of Imperial for Seeley and the Imperial Valley Desert Museum. In July Dippy Duck will delivers the safety message to libraries and summer camps around the county