‘Swim for Life’ program helps prevent kids drowning deaths
ALBANY, Ga. – The Dougherty County Coroner’s Office held one of their biggest annual events to help protect kids.
Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer, meaning more people are going to be taking a dip in the water to cool off. And, the Dougherty County Coroner’s Office is hosting their annual ‘Swim for Life’ event to minimize drownings.
Coroner Michael Fowler, whose hosted the event since 2016 has helped offer up free swimming lessons to local children to prevent drowning deaths.
And, this year, he’s been able to partner with the Albany Area YMCA…
With plenty of people signing up…
“We got a backed up line here with YMCA group right now. Parents have been out here since nine o’clock this morning, trying to get signed up. And, people have been calling all week. So, the turnout is pretty good,” said Michael Fowler, Dougherty County Coroner.
The success of previous years events has the Albany Area YMCA partnering to sign people up for free swimming lessons.
“We view swim lessons, knowing how to swim as a life skill. And of all people to come up with this program called ‘Swim for Life’ to make a difference and impact in this community for kids and eventually for parents to recognize they need to know how to swim as well; that is a game changer for our community,” said Dan Gillan, President, Albany Area YMCA.
We even got to talk with a few parents who signed their kids up for swim for life…
Including Victoria Campbell, who not only signed up her five-year-old daughter and three-year-old son…
But… herself as well.
“I think it’s very important for children to learn how to swim. Especially today, with so many incidents that have been happening over time. I myself don’t know how to swim, so I’m also going to schedule myself to get some lessons,” said Victoria Campbell, Florida.
And, no matter, the age, it’s about making sure that everyone can cool off by taking a dip, without the concern of drowning.
“It’s very important. Like the younger kids are, the more they absorb, so it’s easier for small kids to learn quicker,” said Saqqarah Williams.
With both kids and adults signing up for swimming lessons, Fowler and the YMCA are confident that with the massive turnout Saturday, they’ll minimize drowning deaths this summer.
Fowler says that 2023’s ‘Swim for Life’ program had more than 300 families sign up.
Brian Roche reporting.
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