JACKSONVILLE, FL – Mayor Donna Deegan and five-time Olympic gold medalist Ryan Murphy joined forces at Blue Cypress Pool in Arlington on Thursday to launch the City of Jacksonville’s summer swim safety initiative, aimed at reducing drowning incidents and increasing access to swim lessons for residents of all ages.
“Learning to swim isn’t just a recreational skill; it’s a lifesaving one,” said Mayor Deegan, emphasizing Jacksonville’s geography of rivers, lakes, and nearby ocean access. The city’s initiative will offer swimming lessons and water safety resources throughout the summer.
Murphy, a Jacksonville native and Bolles School graduate, spoke on the importance of water safety and announced the opening of his Goldfish Swim School in St. Johns County, with plans to expand into Duval County. “Drowning is preventable, and learning to swim is the best protection,” he said.
City Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director Daryl Joseph highlighted the city’s ongoing partnerships with the American Red Cross and other organizations to provide low-cost or free swim instruction at local pools.
The initiative includes free swim assessments, safety outreach at community centers, and water safety education at public events. For information on lessons and pool schedules, residents are encouraged to visit www.jaxparks.com.
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