Izzy Scott Foundation, Kroc Center help ensure swim safety
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - More than 100 kids and adults are learning how to swim thanks to one local family.
The Izzy Scott Foundation teamed up with the Salvation Army Kroc Center to make sure children are safe while in the water.
The initiative raises money to provide local swim lessons.
The Scotts say they are working to reach even more families.
Walter Scott says the idea to provide lessons came from the community after his 4-year-old son, Izzy Scott, drowned during private swim lessons two years ago.
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“A lot of people in the area who were familiar with our story, with my son Izzy Scott, this kind of struck fear in the hearts of a lot of parents and children who had the idea of getting swim lessons. We really wanted to re-establish the idea that swim lessons are the best route to go,” said Walter.
The Izzy Scott Foundation not only provides swimming lessons but s Izzy’s Law, legislation ed that requires guidelines for private swim lessons and instructors.
“It’s not just a Georgia problem. There are a lot of states that don’t have anything similar to Izzy’s Law and unfortunately, we found this gap where it did hurt us a lot, but what we want to do is make sure that nobody has to go through what we went through,” said Walter.
Victoria Wilson signed both her son and daughter up for swim lessons after hearing about Izzy Scott.
“I was just really moved by everything this family has gone through and the impact they have had on the community since then. I don’t know what that feels like, but being able to take something so terrible and bring beauty from ashes, there is no way we can’t get behind them,” said Wilson.
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Wilson says it’s important to her that her kids know how to respond in the water.
“I want them to feel brave and if for some crazy reason I can’t be there, I want them to have the fundamentals to be safe and just in the interim until someone can get to them, that is so important to me,” said Wilson.
Walter has his 5-year-old son, Noah, currently taking lessons.
“The same goal I have for my son is the same goal I have for everyone in the community of Augusta. Get rid of that fear of water, and it is fun when you are swimming, and it is the safest route to go,” said Walter.
Izzy’s parents, Walter and Dori, are working to expand the Izzy Scott Foundation beyond just swim safety.
They say Izzy loved sports and science, so they are working with the Kroc Center on initiatives to reflect that.
Donations have helped make this all possible and you can the Izzy Scott Foundation by going to their website.
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