LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — It’s a rite of passage for many children in the area, and registration is about to open for a popular summer safety program.
The Lima Police Department and the Lima Noon Optimist Safety City Summer Academy will begin sign-ups at 7 a.m. Friday, March 27. The free program is open to children ages 5 to 9 and teaches important lessons on personal safety, traffic safety, home safety and staying safe in public spaces.
Participants attend a weeklong session designed to give young children hands-on learning experiences in a fun and engaging environment. Organizers say the program helps children build confidence while learning how to stay safe in everyday situations.
“So they learn quite a bit of information in just a week, and by the end of the week, man, it's amazing to see how those kids are. You know, they're just dynamic. They pick it up quick. They're so much fun to watch, and it's good to see the ones come back sometimes, year after year,” said Safety City Coordinator Officer Eric Mericle.
Registration will be available online through three platforms: the Lima Police Department Facebook page, the Safety City Facebook page and Lima Optimist website. There are 12 sessions scheduled throughout the summer. Mericle advises parents to register early, as spots typically fill within a few hours. The academy is sponsored by the Lima Noon Optimist Club.
