Because fatal drowning remains the second-leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children ages 1 to 14 years. A child is 100 times more likely to be killed by a swimming pool then a firearm!

Who is most at risk?

The statistics are staggering–

• Males: Nearly 80% of people who die from drowning are male.
• Children 1-4 Years Old: Have the highest drowning rates. In 2007, among children 1 to 4 years old who died from an unintentional injury, almost 30% died from drowning.
• African-American Children: 70% of African-American children cannot swim. African-American children drown at a rate nearly three times higher than their Caucasian peers. (Source: CDC)
• Hispanic/Latino Children: 60% of Hispanic/Latino children can not swim.(Source: National research study by the USA Swimming Foundation and the University of Memphis)
• Children With Parents That Can Not Swim: If a parent does not know how to swim, there is only a 13 percent chance that a child in that household will learn how to swim. (Source: National research study by the USA Swimming Foundation and the University of Memphis)

Now meet Veronica Stewart

Veronica Stewart at Water Safety Booth at Community Fair

Veronica is a Girl Scout of 10 years, currently working on her Gold Award project, which is the highest award a Girl Scout between 14 and 18 can earn. Her project is focused on Swim Lessons and Water Safety for Children. She contacted CK to see if we would help raise awareness about Water Safety and provided the resources we just shared with you.

Stewart has created a Facebook page of water safety websites, statistics, and links devoted to drowning prevention. She is also collecting new and gently used swim suits and swim gear (goggles, swimsuits, towels, nose plugs, and swim caps) for the Northside and Downtown YMCA’s Learn to Swim Program. In addition, she is involved in educating the community about the low-income minority child’s learn-to-swim classes at Jack-n-Jill School. If you visit her Water Safety facebook page you will see several groups that are sponsoring a swimmer in those classes. Stewart also encourages parents to visit the American Red Cross Water Safety page  for tips on how to protect children from accidental drowning.

How Can You Help?

• Share this article and Veronica’s Water Safety for Children FB page with others.
• Donate new and gently used swim suits and swim gear (goggles, swimsuits, towels, nose plugs, and swim caps are greatly appreciated) at the following locations:
  

  About 1/2 the Items Stewart Has Collected

– 3Sports on River Road

– Love of Jesus Thriftique on Lauderdale Drive.

– Jack-n-Jill School at 8316 Michael Road

• Sponsor a Swimmer in a low-income minority child’s learn-to-swim classes at Jack-n-Jill School 804-270-3030.