SWIMSUIT DRIVE TO SAVE LIVES: American Dream Mall “Dives Into” Statewide Bathing Suit, Goggle Drive for Kids

Jun 13, 2023

By: Richard L. Smith

Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in children ages 1 to 4. In New Jersey alone, New Jersey Swim Alliance officials said we lose an average of 10 children to drowning every year.

Aquatics professionals know that swimming lessons are essential to the safety of children, especially in underserved communities.

Officials at the New Jersey Swim Alliance said many agencies and swim schools around the state have risen against this threat by providing swimming instruction for little or no cost to children.

But many wonder why families don't participate. There are three significant barriers to kids learning to swim: Cost, Transportation, and Proper Bathing Attire.

New Jersey Swim Safety Alliance, New Jersey Recreation and Park Association, and Dolfin Swimwear are determined to eliminate one of those barriers: Proper Swim Attire!

Without proper swim attire, children cannot gain access to swimming lessons or public swim facilities without a bathing suit. Children swimming in natural water without formal swim attire dramatically increases this risk.

For many of us, it is hard to imagine that a child does not have a simple piece of clothing like a bathing suit, but aquatics professionals will tell you that many children and families are turned away from public swimming venues because of it.

During a recent meeting and tour of the mega mall, American Dream in Rutherford, NJ, the owners of the world's largest indoor wave pool heard about the Bathing Suit & Google Drive. They immediately expressed a desire to help this worthy cause.

Officials say Mr. Brian Hague, Director of Government Affairs & Communications, and the leadership team of American Dream immediately tried to find a way to join the effort. Without hesitation, they announced a gift of 250 children's bathing suits to help to ignite the effort.

Combined with Dolfin Swimwear and the membership of both the New Jersey Swim Safety Alliance and New Jersey Recreation and Park Association, the drive is in overdrive.

"American Dream Mall wants to be a part of the communities we serve, stated Brian Hague." "An exciting safety campaign that will help kids not only in our immediate area but statewide was extremely appealing to us here at American Dream."

"We wanted to help," Hague said.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Be a part of the solution. Form a drive with friends, neighbors, church, or charitable organizations. Pools, waterparks, and swim schools around the state are incentivizing people to donate bathing suits and goggles.

Dozens of public pools and swim schools have already started their collections.

This campaign, started by Breakwater Beach Waterpark in Seaside Heights, NJ, in 2018, has grown to become a statewide effort with some annual records of over 600 suits collected and distributed throughout NJ to social service agencies and public pools.

With the new coordinated efforts of NJRPA, NJSSA, and Dolfin Swimwear, the goal is to reach 1000 suits. The drive is held through July 15th, and deserving agencies are all lining up for delivery.

Each bathing suit distributed will also include drowning prevention information and safety tips for parents. Hoping to spread the word on drowning prevention.

From a small Catholic School in Bergen County, the Academy of Our Lady of Grace, to American Dream Mall, the efforts have already gleaned 350 bathing suits.

Dolfin Swimwear kicked off the effort by donating 400 bathing suits inspiring others to do the same. Thanks to Dolfin Swimwear, it is easy for groups and businesses to participate.

A drop box has been created with everything you need for a successful campaign.