Hi Friends-

I hope you are safe and well.

This is my 10th year as the Executive Director of Colin's Hope and my 11th year as a Colin's Hope Athlete Ambassador to Prevent Drowning!

It's mind-blowing for me to think about how much time-passion-energy-sweat-tears and true determination I have put into water safety and drowning prevention. I now have too many friends who have lost children and loved ones to preventable drowning and friends whose children have survived a non-fatal drowning and I, myself survived a very scary situation in a World Championship XTERRA race in 2018 when I was pulled under by 3 huge waves and feared that I wasn't coming up. Thankfully, I did not panic and was able to find the surface.  

Water Safety is real.  It is important and Drowning is Preventable.

As we are in some very strange times right now- I am committed to my role as a Water Safety Ambassador this year.

I ran 87 miles in May in the Colin's Hope Best Water Safety Walk (Run) and have now transitioned into the Colin's Hope Got2Swim Virtual Swim NOW through September 2 (Colin's Birthday). I am swimming  70 (yes 70!!) miles. Each mile will be dedicated to honor and celebrate those lost to or almost lost to drowning. You can go to www.familiesunitedtopreventdrowning.com (scroll to the bottom) to read the stories of those I swim and honor and celebration of.  I'll keep swimming to raise awareness and funds for drowning prevention- even during this pandemic as children and adults are still drowning. As of now (Aug 31), I have completed 68 of the 70 miles. 

The last 11 years has taught me so much about water safety, drowning prevention and the very huge reality that EVERYONE, regardless of your age, race, socioeconomic status, gender or even swimming ability can drown... even ME.

So Why do I do all of this? I am so glad you asked. Please read on.

Drowning is the #1 Cause of un-intentional injury related death for children under 5 and a leading cause for ages 1-14, yet drowning is preventable

Texas lost 87 children to FATAL, PREVENTABLE Drowning last year, while 5x as many have survived a non-fatal drowning. That number should be ZERO!

This year (as of today, August 31st), we have already lost at least  63 Texas children to PREVENTABLE drowning in all kinds of water- pools, bathtubs, ponds, buckets, beaches, lakes and rivers.

What does Colin's Hope do with the funds raised?

Colin's Hope uses the funds raised by Athlete Ambassadors to educate parents/caregivers and children to be safer aorund the water all year round through proven progams. They distribute 75,000 water safety education cards each year, sponsor swim lessons and water safety education lessons, stock life jacket loaner stations and serve in leadership positions locally, state and nationwide. The work that Colin's Hope does ABSOLUTELY saves lives, changes behaviors to be safer around water and prevents drownings. If we continue this work, we CAN END DROWNING.

How can YOU help?

1) I invite you to be part of my team, join this journey to prevent drowning. It's easy..I'll swim all the miles. You can cheer me on and if you are able, make a donation of any amount to support Colin's Hope. Together, we will do this in honor of Colin and all of the children lost to a fatal drowning and those who have survived a non-fatal drowning and their families who courageously work every day to prevent drowning so that no family will have to experience what they have experienced. It will take ALL of US to change the culture of water safety. I dream of a day when kids learn about water safety when they learn not to touch the stove or to wear a seat belt or to stop, drop and roll. I know we can get there if we work together.

2) Remember that DROWNING IS Fast. Silent. AND Preventable. And please tell your family and friends.

3) Please Become a Water Guardian. Take and share the Colin's Hope Water Safety Quiz at www.colinshope.org/quiz

Hand over heart thank you for your support!

As Colin used to say- Have the Best Day Ever!

Alissa

Colin’s Hope Athlete Ambassadors from around the country participate in walks, marathons, triathlons, swims and any other athletic activity they choose in the name of drowning prevention. As a Colin’s Hope Athlete Ambassador you will receive a free pledge page that you can customize to your liking. Simply email all your friends, family and co-workers with your personal pledge link asking for their support as you participate in your sport and we work together to eliminate childhood drowning.

Colin’s Hope Athlete Ambassadors that raise more than $25 will receive a Colin’s Hope Athlete Ambassador swag item. 100% of the proceeds received from your pledge drive will go towards Colin’s Hope’s mission of water safety and preventing children from drowning.