ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - A free program in Albany is teaching kids how to swim while helping families learn more about water safety as summer gets underway.

The Swim for Life program at Albany State is giving children access to free swimming lessons. Dougherty County Coroner Michael Fowler said the program aims to prevent future tragedies.

“The main thing is for them to get familiar with the water. We don’t want no child to drown this year,” Fowler said. “So my thing is pushing the issue that every child learn to swim.”

Fowler said the program offers swimming and other activities for kids during the summer.

“It’s saving lives. That’s the main thing. We’re saving lives,” he said.

Drowning statistics highlight need

According to the CDC, more children between the ages of 1 and 4 die from drowning than any other cause. Overall, more than 4,000 people lose their lives to unintentional drowning in the U.S. each year, which is about 11 people every day.

Parent Chinitia Cody said she is grateful for Swim for Life.

“Because my son thinks he knows how to swim. But I need him to know how to swim because that’s life saving. And because I don’t know how to swim, he could probably save my life as well,” Cody said.

Cody said the program provides a safe environment for children during the summer.

“You got to have a safe haven for our kids. And this event right here is taking place today. It’s phenomenal,” she said.

Program provides safety equipment

Along with free swimming lessons, families were given swim shoes, floaties and life jackets so they could stay safe around water.

Swim instructor Dr. David Milliner said recent drownings in the community make the program an important first step in prevention.

“Everybody needs to learn how to swim for just general exercise, for safety. But on top of it, in this community, we’ve had some drownings,” Milliner said. “I make sure that everybody is on page with swimming safety and making sure that we prevent any type of accident.”

Leaders with Swim for Life said if they can prevent even one drowning, the program will be worth it.

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