As your children play outside during the hot summer months, be aware of the danger that is present when young children are around swimming pools, lakes and streams.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Every day, about ten people die from unintentional drowning. Of these, two are children aged 14 or younger. Drowning is the sixth leading cause of unintentional injury death for people of all ages, and the second leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 14 years.”

Memphis Mayor A C Wharton and Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell will launch the joint Memphis and Shelby County Office of Sustainability Tuesday, May 24, at 9 a.m. in the Goldsmith Room at the Memphis Botanic Gardens.

The Office of Sustainability is charged with the implementation and oversight of the Sustainable Shelby Plan. This plan, developed in 2008 with 130 participants and a team of professional urban planners, established a strategic framework for action with regard to “green” initiatives in Shelby County.

The 5th annual Earth Week at Shelby Farms Park will see an exciting shift in style and setting in 2011.

The week-long series of events runs from April 17 through 23 and will be held on the shores of Patriot Lake near the visitor center, reflecting the focus of the Park’s next big project - expanding Patriot Lake to nearly twice its size.

Earth Week will promote environmental stewardship, nature, health and recreation with events that offer fun and entertainment for the entire family.