Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today visited the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County’s Asbury Park Unit to highlight the importance of water safety. Boys & Girls Clubs offer beginner, intermediate and advanced swim lessons for children ages 6-12 and educate youth and parents on the importance of being safe around water.
Congressman Pollone greets swimmer and lifeguards at the Asbury Park Unit.
Drowning is an important national problem. Every year there are approximately 3,500 drowning deaths in the United States and drowning is the second leading cause of childhood accidental death. Just recently there were fatal drownings in Seaside Heights and Asbury Park, and reports of two young children swimming in the Raritan Bay in Perth Amboy who needed help from passer-bys when they were struggling against the current.
“Recent drownings at the Jersey Shore underscore the importance of being safe in and around the water,” said Pallone. “We know swimming skills prevent tragic drowning accidents, and I thank the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County for offering swim lessons so youth can develop life-saving swimming abilities.”
Doug Eagles and Congressman Pollone speak to youth and community members about swimming safety.
“We want to ensure that all kids are educated about water safety and proper swimming before entering a pool or ocean,” stated Douglas Eagles, Executive Director, Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County. “It is our responsibility to help kids make smart decisions, whether it’s helping them prepare for college, or in this case, teaching them how to swim.”
In addition to visiting a swim lesson, Pallone shared ways to improve a child’s water safety, including participation in formal swimming lessons and close parental supervision in the water, even when there is a lifeguard on duty or the child is using a flotation device.
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