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Fun and safety make a splash

The Water Watcher Pledge at Sahara Sam's in West Berlin is all about saving lives and preventing child drowning.

Sahara Sam's water park marks Pool Safely Week.

Posted: July 27, 2012

Have outdoor fun and receive tips on how to save lives and prevent child drowning by signing the Water Watcher Pledge at Sahara Sam's Oasis Indoor Water Park. Adults 18 and over who take the pledge will receive free spectator admission in honor of Pool Safely Week through July 29.

Beginning Friday, the Sambulance Safety Squad from the park's nonprofit educational safety program will give out pool and water safety information. Those who sign the Water Watcher Pledge promise to apply pool safety in their lives. Some of the promise includes: always watching children in the pool and never leaving them unsupervised; appointing a responsible water watcher in your absence until you return; scanning the bottom of the pool regularly and avoiding poolside conversations including talking on mobile phones while supervising children. The pledge promises and safety precautions also apply to bathtubs, portable pools, toilets, washing machines, buckets, and all bodies of water. Adults who pledge will also receive a Water Watcher lanyard to wear when assuming their duties at home.

Sahara Sam's Oasis opened in 2009 as New Jersey's first free-standing indoor water park with 58,000 square feet of aquatic attractions. The Sambulance Educational Safety Program teaches children about first aid, stranger danger, and water safety, and has reached over 16,000 kids in the area.

Pool Safely Week, Friday through July 29, at Sahara Sam's Oasis Indoor Water Park, 535 N. Rt. 73, West Berlin. One spectator admission per person with completed form. Spectators have access to the water park area, but may not participate in the attractions. Park hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. The park is closed Aug. 6. Admission: $32.95, $20.95 after 3:30 p.m., $14.95 for spectators, free age 65 and older and 2 and younger. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at www.saharasams.com; these can be picked up from 3 to 7 p.m. Information: 856-767-7580, www.saharasams.com.

'Wizard of Oz' at Mitchell Performing Arts

Storybook Musical Theatre continues its 20th anniversary season with its stage production of L. Frank Baum's story Wizard of Oz at Mitchell Performing Arts Center in Huntingdon Valley through Aug. 4.

The book, adapted for stage by Storybook artistic director Patricia Goldberg, uses original music written by Kevin Arruda. The play portrays the story of Dorothy, who ventures down the yellow brick road and makes friends with a Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion. The adventurers also meet the unfriendly Wicked Witch of the West. The four friends learn that wishes can come true and there is no place like home.

"Wizard of Oz," 10:30 a.m. Friday and 11 a.m. Saturday at Mitchell Performing Arts Center, Tomlinson Rd. & Huntingdon Pike in Huntingdon Valley. Tickets are $14, $11 for children. For information or to order tickets call 215-659-8550 or go to www.storybookmusical.org.

Storybook Celebration Family Festival

On Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m., Camden Children's Garden will hold its Storybook Celebration Family Festival.

The Storybook Gardens will have fairytale-themed exhibits. Kids can participate in arts and crafts and listen to stories read aloud. Guests can also visit the Giant's Garden and plant magic beans to take home.

The festival is part of the the garden's Fourth Weekend Series.

Storybook Festival, 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Camden Children's Garden, 3 Riverside Dr., Camden. Garden hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The museum is closed during the week and open on Thursdays by reservation only. Admission: $6, free 2 and younger. Information: 856-365-8733 or www.CamdenChildrensGarden.org.