Today is National Drowning Prevention Day, an important reminder about the silent danger of drowning. In July 2023, the number of drowning deaths reached the highest level since 2018, and not all children face the same risk. Tragically, Black children are statistically more likely to drown than their white peers.
The Huron-Clinton Metroparks, in partnership with the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit and other organizations across Southeast Michigan, are deeply committed to addressing this issue. Our Everyone in the Pool initiative has already provided over 4,000 youth with free swim lessons since 2021, but we recognize that there is still much more work to be done.
To address this need, Metroparks is expanding the Everyone in the Pool program through our Metroparks and Me initiative. Our goal is to raise $600,000, which will allow us to deliver over 24,000 swim lessons over the next five years and significantly increase the number of certified lifeguards and swim instructors by 2028. This expansion will enable Metroparks and our partners to offer even more free swim lessons, enhancing water safety for our community.
Thank you to Amanda Barone , Regional Director of Aquatics for YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit, for co-authoring our recent op-ed for The Macomb Daily. This collaboration is crucial in amplifying our message and ensuring that families have the information they need to stay safe.
We urge everyone to join us in this important mission. By coming together, we can create a safer environment for our families and ensure that the water remains a source of joy and recreation, free from tragedies.
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