JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – As the summer heat creates more opportunities for kids to cool off at a local pool this summer, Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan and 5-time Olympic gold medalist Ryan Murphy hosted an event Wednesday emphasizing the importance of water safety.
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The event was held at 10 a.m. at the Blue Cypress Park pool.
“Unfortunately, we lose a lot of people to drowning because they don’t know how to swim, and we’re surrounded by water here [in Jacksonville,]” Deegan said. “So we want to get everyone informed of all the programs we have all summerlong and just promote water safety.”
Murphy, a Jacksonville native, Bolles graduate, and swim safety advocate, echoed that message and encouraged families to take advantage of the opportunities created by the city to promote water safety and education.
“Drowning is preventable, and learning to swim is the best protection,” Murphy said. “Whether you’re a child or an adult, it’s never too late to start.”
The Olympic medalist also spoke about his Goldfish Swim School in St. Johns County and future plans to open a facility in Duval County.
Deegan also noted how important it was for the kids to learn how to swim from someone like Ryan Murphy, who she says is viewed as “like Superman” to them.
“They see this guy, and he’s got this wingspan that he uses...it’s just amazing,” she said. “To know that he loves our community and would show up to do this for us is truly amazing.”
For more information on swimming lessons or pool operations throughout the city, visit this link for more information.
The American Red Cross recommends that everyone learn how to perform the following 5 skills in every type of water environment to remain as safe as possible.
- Enter water that’s over your head, then return to the surface.
- Float or tread water for at least 1 minute.
- Turn over and turn around in the water.
- Swim at least 25 yards.
- Exit the water.