In light of recent Haverhill drowning incidents, state Rep. Andy X. Vargas brought community leaders together to produced a public service announcement, promoting water safety and encouraging swimming lessons for all ages.
Vargas says the just under two-minute video (below) aims to prevent future tragedies by educating the community on the importance of water safety and the skills needed to stay safe in and around water. Vargas appears in the video.
“The vast majority of drownings are preventable. We can each do our part to make sure that’s there not one more,” he says.
Vargas explains, “We know that many folks are embarrassed to say they don’t know how to swim. Sometimes there’s a stigma associated, and people think they’re too old to take classes. Others don’t know they can come forward to access free or affordable swimming lessons.”
The video encourages families to contact the Haverhill YMCA or the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Haverhill to get more information on swimming lessons for children and adults.
“Swimming is not just for fun. It’s an important life skill that allows you to be safe while enjoying the water, whether that’s a pool, a lake or the ocean,” says Mayor Melinda E. Barrett, who also appears. “I encourage everyone—children, teens and adults—to take lessons and gain the knowledge, skills and confidence to navigate waters, avoid dangerous situations and prevent drownings.”
Haverhill YMCA Executive Director Tracy Fuller adds she is “proud to say we teach thousands of kids to swim each year and will not turn anyone away because of their ability to pay. Being able to swim is so important and drowning is a national concern that demands collective action.”
Likewise, Boys and Girls Club Executive Director Javier Bristol adds, “Every Haverhill Youth deserves safe fun by the water. Learning water safety skills equips our kids to make lifelong memories at our pools and lakes.”
Others taking part in the video include Nomsa Ncube, of Somebody Cares New England; Raquel Quezada, Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council; Haverhill City Councilor Katrina Hobbs-Everett.
The video was filmed and edited by Felix and Claudia Gomez of Vessel Visions Productions and sponsored by the Vargas Committee.