Area Briefing

Paragon Pools' eighth annual Float Like A Duck event is scheduled to raise awareness about water safety from 1-4 p.m. Saturday at the Bill & Lillie Heinrich YMCA water sports park, 4141 Meadows Lane.

The free, three-hour event will emphasize the importance of safety and adult supervision. The day is set to feature exhibits, hands-on activities, floating classes, open swimming and appearances by local news personalities and Duckie the water safety mascot, who works with area companies and public safety agencies. For more information, call the YMCA at 877-9622.

Air advisory includes tips
to help reduce ozone levels

The Clark County Department of Air Quality and Environmental Management has issued an advisory for ground-level ozone pollution from May through September.

The advisory covers the late spring and summer months, when weather conditions and levels of pollutants can trigger a build-up of ground-level ozone during afternoon hours.

Ozone is a gas that occurs naturally in the upper atmosphere and protects Earth from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays. At ground level, ozone is a key ingredient of urban smog during the hottest months of the year.

Residents are asked to help reduce ozone levels with the following measures:

n Fill up your gas tank after sunset.

n Plan errands so they can be done in one trip.

n Try not to spill gasoline when filling up, and don't top off your gas tank.

n Keep your car well-maintained.

n Use mass transit or carpooling.

n Don't idle your car engine unnecessarily.

n Walk or ride your bike whenever practical and safe.

n Consider low-maintenance landscaping that uses less water and doesn't require the use of gas-powered lawn tools to maintain.

n Turn off lights and electronics when not in use. Less fuel burned at power plants means cleaner air.