El Dorado Rotary visited all of the elementary schools in El Dorado the week of May 12, 2025, to read “Josh the Baby Otter” by Blake Collingsworth to PreK-first grade students. The book teaches students about the importance of water safety.
The story follows a baby otter named Josh, whose mother is teaching him how to float and swim. It highlights water safety rules to help keep everyone safe such as having a swim buddy or adult any time you are going near the water. It stresses the importance of learning to float and getting lessons on how to swim.
After reading the story, Rotary members reiterated some of the swim safety and shared fun facts about otters. They also had students recite the Josh the Otter water safety pledge, which says, “I promise to be a good son or daughter. I promise to get an adult when I go near the water. This will keep me safe like Josh the baby otter.”
First grade students received a copy of the book and an accompanying activity book to take home with them to help keep water safety in mind as they begin their summer.