Community news briefs for June 19, 2000

Monday, June 19, 2000 | 8:56 a.m.

Water safety awareness planned

The YMCA of Southern Nevada has begun a blue ribbon campaign to increase water safety awareness this summer.

The YMCA recommends five precautionary measures: constant parent supervision, knowledge of CPR and first aid, understanding of all posted rules at pools and beaches, diving only into deep water -- 9 feet when diving from the edge of a pool but 12 feet when diving from a height -- and teaching every child how to swim.

Last year there were 23 drownings in Clark County, including 11 pool or spa deaths of children younger than 10 years old. In 1998 and 1996 there were 24 drownings while there were only two in 1997.

Blue ribbons can be picked up at any Green Valley Grocery Store through labor day.

Try these hikes on for size

Here are some of the free hikes and other programs offered this week at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area:

Calico Spring: Two-mile hike Friday for ages 10 to adult to learn about the fragile, riparian area.

Coyote Morning: Three-mile early morning hike Saturday along the Moenkopi Trail for 8- year-olds to adults.

If Bristlecones Could Talk: Five-mile, 1,000-foot climb up Mount Charleston Saturday to a gallery of 4,000-year-old bristlecone pines to see how climate changes in the past 12,000 years affected vegetation, wildlife and humans. Meet at the junction of State Route 157 (Kyle Canyon Road) and SR 158 (Deer Creek Road).

Desert Survival: Discussion on Saturday to learn techniques to survive in the desert. The session will include water, signaling, fires, foods, shelters, and actual experiences by survivors. There will be hands-on field demonstrations. Plan on a short walk and bring water and a hat Saturday.

Plant Wise: Two-mile moderate hike Sunday between Icebox Canyon and Lost Creek to study "indicator" plants. Such plants -- about half a dozen -- can show savvy hikers the elevation and the kinds of wildlife they might see. Meet at the fee station.

Call 363-1922 for reservations.

Black Tavern Owners event to help boxing

The Black Tavern Owners and Retail Beverage Association is sponsoring its sixth annual Golf Classic Saturday at Angel Park, Palm Course.

This year's honoree will be Bruce Kobrin, vice president and general manager of Coors of Las Vegas. Proceeds will benefit the UNLV boxing team and the Southern Nevada Retail Beverage Scholarship Fund.

For more information, contact Lillian McMorris at 313-5257.

Sweet Adelines

The Las Vegas Valley of Fire Barbershop Showtime Chorus of Sweet Adelines will rehearse at 7 p.m. Tuesday at 2761 Emerson Ave. Call 875-4242 or 361-3041.

First aid training

Valley Hospital Medical Center, 620 Shadow Lane, is offering a basic first aid training and discussion session 1-2 p.m. Thursday. To register or for more information, call 388-4665.

Credit advice

The Consumer Credit Counseling Service is offering a free class, Making Ends Meet and Dreams Come True, 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday at 3650 S. Decatur Blvd., Suite 32. To register, call 364-0344.