Friday morning, the YMCA, Pickens County American Red Cross, the United Way, Safe Kids Upstate, local law enforcement and community leadership announced a partnership to educate the public on water safety.
“The recent drowning accidents here in Easley have opened our eye to the critical need for education, awareness and prevention,” said Pickens County YMCA CEO Sid Collins.
“As the aquatic leader in our county, the YMCA will be pooling our resources with local agencies, law enforcement and business to accomplishing one thing: stopping needless drownings in backyard pools.”
Last month, an aunt, uncle and their nephew drowned in an Easley pool after the adults jumped into assist the 8-year-old boy.
Arnulfo Tomas Francisco, 37, Maria Nicholus Juan, 27, and Eric Sebastian, 8, all drowned in the above-ground pool.
“Our hearts break for the families of the recent accidents and will we honor them by launching ‘Operation Save a Life,’” Collins said.
“Operation Save a Life” seeks to educate pool owners on the responsibilities that come with owning a pool
To that end, 4,200 post cards containing water safety tips will mailed to pool owners in Pickens and Northern Anderson counties over the next few weeks, officials said.
More than 5,000 post cards will be given to local law enforcement agents to distribute as needed.
As part of the program, local businesses will be given safety tip sheets to place near pool repair and upkeep items.
Drownings are one of the leading causes of unintentional injury death for all ages, and the second leading cause of death for children age 1-14, according to the Center for Disease Control.
A web site featuring water safety tips has been created as part of the partnership. The site will feature water safety links, rescue videos, educational materials and home safety check lists.
Visit www.pcymca.net to learn more.
A home water safety talk will be held at Anchor Polls in Easley 10 a.m. — 4 p.m. Saturday, July 25. The talk will focus on
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