By: Yuritza Arroyo
Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death among children ages 1 to 4.
Did you know that in New Jersey we lose an average of 10 children to drowning each year?
According to officials, swimming lessons are essential to the safety of children, especially in under-resourced communities.
Many agencies around the state have risen to the occasion by providing swim instruction for little or no cost to children.
Access to swim lessons requires a proper bathing suit.
For many families, this has been one of the major stumbling blocks for access to these lessons.
In 2018, Breakwater Beach Waterpark in Seaside Heights NJ conducted the first bathing suit drive for homeless families, spearheaded by Christine Palma.
In the summer of 2019, NJRPA partnered with Breakwater Beach and other NJ based aquatic venues and waterparks to conduct a successful Bathing Suit Drive by collecting over 600 bathing suits distributed throughout Camden County by Homefront, a social service agency serving homeless families in the region.
During the COVID-19 Pandemic, we were unable to sponsor such drives. In 2022, the campaign was re-energized collecting over 400 bathing suits and goggles. Jersey City, Newark, Orange and Perth Amboy were the recipients of the suits and goggles.
They were distributed at water safety events throughout the summer months.
Each suit had an information card on drowning prevention from the NJ Swim Safety Alliance.
The 2023 NJRPA Aquatic Section Bathing Suit and Google Drive has been expanded.
Partnering with the New Jersey Swim Safety Alliance and Dolfin Swimwear, this year’s collection will be the largest effort ever.
The Summer Campaign will be held from Memorial Day Weekend through July 15 at NJ based aquatic facilities, swim schools, competitive swim venues and waterparks.
NEW Bathing suits and goggles collected will be distributed through facilities recognized by both NJRPA and NJSSA for their commitment to drowning prevention education.
Receiving entities are currently being explored.
Get Creative!
Sponsor a Bathing Suit and Goggles Drive at your facility. Be creative. Offer a special day, special pricing, or a unique approach to promoting this drive.
Perhaps a Guest Pass for every bathing suit and google donation?
Perhaps, entry into a raffle for a season pass for each bathing suit and goggle donated?
Or, just for an act of kindness for the benefit of NJ’s kids! The motivators are left up to you! Get Others to Help!
Find your local social service agency or charitable organization to do their own drive or to coordinate your drive. Solicit participation through your Facebook pages, Instagram and emails.
Get your friends and families to contribute. Scouts, Junior Leagues, PTOs among others will embrace the campaign for sure. Register today to be a part of this campaign.
Participating agencies will be highlighted in promotional materials and articles. Register with Judith Leblein Josephs, Aquatic Section Education Chair and NJSSA Board Member by email.
List your agency and the contact information for your staff person leading the effort.
Questions? 732-319-5814 Let’s break the 600 record and help NJ kids get access to swim lessons and ultimately save lives.