Dougherty coroner: No child drownings since program started

ALBANY — As Dougherty County’s coroner, Michael Fowler’s job is to pronounce cause of death.

But the seemingly ever-present Fowler says he sees his calling as doing what he can to preserve life.

So, for the third consecutive summer, Fowler is rounding up the usual suspects and calling on others to help him put on the “Swim for Life” campaign, a program through which children who might otherwise not have access to swim facilities or swim lessons are taught about water safety and fun.

“I truly believe this program has had an impact on our community,” Fowler said. “Since we started the program, there has not been one child drowning in the county. I think the ‘Swim for Life’ campaign is part of the reason.”

Fowler is joining forces with the Albany Area YMCA, the Albany Boys and Girls Clubs and the Albany Recreation and Parks Department to present the summer program that will kick off with an H20 Splash event at Riverfront Park on June 1. At the event, kids — and their parents — can sign up for the swimming lessons that will be offered to participants at Y, Boys and Girls Clubs and rec department facilities at no cost to participants.

But there is a cost for the program. Lessons are $20 per participant, which could expand to 400 this year. There were 200 the first year of Swim for Life, 306 last year.

So Fowler is looking for sponsors, individuals and businesses that will bear the costs of the program. And, putting his money where his mouth is, the coroner is sponsoring the first 10 participants with a $200 donation.

“We’re going to have a water slide, bounce houses, swimwear, flip-flops, goggles, the things kids need to swim,” Fowler said of the June 1 H20 Splash gathering. “We’re working right now to get the swimwear donated, and we’re looking for sponsors to provide the swim lessons.”

Infant swim classes will be offered by the YMCA, while the Boys and Girls Clubs and Albany Recreation and Parks pools will serve as the location for other participants. Times for classes will be announced at the June 1 event.

“I hope the community will continue to support our program, because I think it’s one that can save lives,” Fowler said.

“The loss of a child is tragic, but it’s even more tragic when there is a loss that could have been prevented if a child was afforded the opportunity to learn to swim. That’s what we provide.”

Registration will be held at the June 1 H20 Splash event. For additional information, call Fowler’s office at (229) 438-3974.

File Photo: Carlton fletcherFile Photo: Tara dyer stoyle