Modeled after an initiative in New Zealand which challenged the country’s population to display its swimming proficiency, approximately 300 local residents attended the Swim for Life Foundation’s “Swim for Life Safety Challenge” on Sunday, May 23, at Blue Buoy Swim School in Tustin. Approximately 70 participants of all ages swam nonstop for distances that ranged from an eighth of a mile to a mile, with the youngest swimmers jumping into the water and returning to the side of the pool. Certificates of proficiency were presented to all swimmers in a show of appreciation for their awareness of the importance of water safety. New this year was the safety challenge, in which fully-clothed children jumped into the pool to demonstrate the skills they have learned to apply, even when they unexpectedly fall into the water. The event is associated with the United States Swim School Association’s internationally recognized “Kids Swimming for Kids” events.
Orange County Olympian John Mykkanen (’84 Games) was on hand to encourage and congratulate swimmers. The festivities also included a silent auction of signed memorabilia and private lessons with Olympians Jason Lezak and Janet Evans; a golf package; tickets to local amusement parks; dinner with Orange County Fire Authority Station 21 firefighters; and a Blue Buoy Swim School lessons package. Members of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance Board of Directors, Mary Ann Downing, Maureen Williams, Matt Payne, and Cindy and Johnny Johnson were in attendance. Safety-oriented displays showcased information from the Orange County Fire Authority, the Rialto Fire Department, and other representation from the water safety industry. CARE Ambulance also placed its “Safer 3” vehicle on display throughout the event.
Members of the Aquachievers, a pilot program for young special needs swimmers that is hoped to become a Special Olympics swim team, also participated in the Swim for Life Safety Challenge. Jointly hosted by the Tustin Assistance League and Blue Buoy Swim School, the Aquachiever’s first six-week session is now underway and is receiving overwhelming support and participation.
“It was so gratifying to see the show of support that the Safety Challenge received by members of the community as well as the water safety industry,” said Johnny Johnson, president and founder of the Swim for Life Foundation and owner of Blue Buoy Swim School. “We can see that water safety is top-of-mind for lots of folks, which is great. Although it is vital to remain vigilant around water at all times of the year, the warmer months make it especially important to remind swimmers of all ages how to stay safer around the water.”
All donations support ongoing education of the “Safer 3,” an internationally-recognized water safety campaign developed by the Swim for Life Foundation that offers a multi-layered approach to drowning prevention that references safer water, safer kids and safer response. The Safer 3 message has received support from the Orange County Fire Authority and the National Drowning Prevention Alliance, in addition to national-level endorsements from the United States Swim School Association, Pampers, McDonald’s, FedEx and Toyota.
See great pics from the event here.
For further information about the Swim for Life Foundation, please call the Swim for Life Foundation at 714-227-6000.
Media Contact:
Kristin Scheithauer (714) 336-0920
kscheithauer@cox.net
