Source: RLS Media
Officials of the New Jersey Swim Safety Alliance say we lose an average of 10 children to drowning every year. The Alliance says many agencies and swim schools around the state have risen against this threat by providing swimming instruction for little or no cost to children.
But there are three significant barriers to kids — especially in underserved areas — in learning to swim: Cost, Transportation, and Proper Bathing Attire.
For many of us, it is hard to imagine that a child does not have a simple piece of clothing like a bathing suit, but aquatics professionals will tell you that many children and families get turned away from public swimming venues because of it.
In 2018, Breakwater Beach Waterpark in Seaside Heights, began a drive which has donated more than 600 swimsuits and goggles to kids statewide through state social service agencies and public pools.
That’s why the Alliance has teamed up with Dolfin Swimwear (by donating 400 bathing suits) and the New Jersey Recreation and Parks Association (NJRPA) to supply more kids with swimsuits and goggles — a drive that is going into overdrive.
The 2023 Aquatic Section Bathing Suit and Google Drive will be held through July 15 at local aquatic facilities, swim schools, competitive swim venues and waterparks and be distributed through facilities recognized by both the Swim Alliance and NJSSA for their commitment to drowning prevention education. With the new coordinated efforts of the Swim Safety Alliance and Dolfin Swimwear, the goal is to reach 1000 suits.
When the American Dream Mall in Rutherford — home of the world’s largest indoor wave pool — heard about the Bathing Suit & Google Drive, their Government Affairs & Communications director Brian Hague he immediately pitched in with a gift of 250 children’s bathing suits. Each bathing suit distributed will also include drowning prevention information and safety tips for parents, helping to spread the word on drowning prevention.
To sign up your organization for collecting or distributing, call Judith Leblein Josephs at (732) 319-5834 or email jleblein @ opt online . net.