Splash Bash to raise funds for aquatic center

By Hector Trujillo

Contributor

Coggan Family Aquatic Center will host its ninth annual Splash Bash from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct.17 with games, food and music for all.

This year, organizers hope to raise $50,000 to offset the lost revenue due to the June pool closure at the eight-year-old complex at La Jolla High School.

“The pool was emptied and the drain covers were replaced to be compliant with the new California State Code AB 1020 as well as the Virgina Graham Baker Act,” said Coggan director Randy Franke. “The current state of the economy has affected some of our programs this last summer, mainly the summer camp the pool runs.”

The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool And Spa Safety Act is a U.S. law named after the daughter of Nancy and James Baker and the granddaughter of former Secretary of State James Baker III. Graeme Baker died in June 2002 when the suction from a spa drain entrapped her under the water.

“The La Jolla community has always been very supportive of the Aquatic Complex,” Franke added. “The pool is here, not only for La Jolla High use, but also for public use. (Splash Bash) will still be able to meet its goal of $50,000 because of the hard work and promotion done by the La Jolla Aquatic Complex Foundation Board of Directors.”

Funds raised will also go toward deferring the operating deficit that comes with increases in utilities, maintenance and insurance.

“We rely heavily on the generosity of the community to help support us ... repairs and replacements, and a rather overcast summer, meant that the pool lost even more money than expected,” said Anna Siperstein, aquatic staff and program director. The pool, measuring 25 yards by 50 meters, offers daily recreational swimming, masters swim team, club swim team, club water polo, and group and private swim lessons.

The complex recently hosted the Women’s FINA World League Super Final, an international water polo competition featuring the top eight teams from around the world.

Besides private and group swim lessons offered to the public, the complex offers summer camps with swim lessons, sports, arts and crafts, drama, computers, recreational swimming and a weekly field trip.

If you go

What:9th annual Splash BashWhen:noon to 4 p.m. Oct. 17Where:Coggan Family Aquatic Center, La Jolla High School, southeast side, at Nautilus and Fay.Tickets:$5 for adults and childrenContact:(858) 456-0945www.cfaquatics.org