Over 150 people took advantage of Saturday’s Swim Safely Day event at the Habersham County Ruby Fulbright Aquatic Center in Clarkesville. Organizers say of those who attended, 100 were children.
The free inaugural event was made possible through community donations. It was prompted by the tragic death of a 12-year-old boy who drowned while swimming at Lake Russell in June.
The program was suggested by Habersham County resident Jim Butterworth, who teamed up with Habersham County Parks and Recreation staff and County Commissioner Bruce Palmer to develop the program.
“A lot of times, people are under the misconception that ‘I can swim.’ People who can swim still drown,” says Palmer.
In addition to water safety, Habersham County Emergency Services personnel taught non-certification CPR classes.
“They now have lifesaving knowledge of how to take care of themselves in an emergency situation in water, but they also know a little bit about CPR, and we were able to put an OSHA-certified life vest in every person’s hand who completed a session,” Parks and Rec Director Brooke Whitmire says.
Palmer says he is “grateful beyond belief” for the community’s support of the August 19 event. He and Whitmire say they are hopeful the county can hold another Swim Safely Day in the spring.
