Lincoln family promotes water safety for children

Posted By: Lauren Fabrizi
lfabrizi@klkntv.com

It was a spring day in June nearly seven years ago that Blake and Kathy Collingsworth lost their 2-year-old son, Joshua, to a drowning accident after losing sight of him for just a few seconds.

“Within moments, your whole life falls apart and changes dramatically,” Blake Collingsworth remembered.

Every day, about 10 people die from unintentional drowning.

With all public pools in Lincoln opening in just more than two weeks, Lincoln Parks and Recreation has a few reminders for parents and caretakers.

“They need to be very alert, not distracted,” recreation coordinator Holly Lewis said. “Give the child the opportunity to learn how to swim and learn how to be comfortable in the water.”

Lewis said floaties are not meant to be life–saving devices. She encourages using life jackets on children instead. When swimming in lakes, know what’s underneath the surface and how deep the water is. In the case of drowning, know how to perform CPR and first aid, and call 911.

Those are all messages the Collingsworths have been getting across through their foundation with the help of Josh the Baby Otter, named after their son. He’s the main character in a childrens book they’ve crafted that teaches water safety.

Over the years, the lessons on those pages have made their way across the country. The family hopes one day, Josh the Otter will be to water safety what Smokey the Bear is to fire prevention, helping their son’s legacy live on.

“That would be pretty special if he made that kind of impact, even though he was here just a short time,” Collingsworth said.

The book has been translated into seven languages. The Collingsworths hope to extend that to more than 50 by the end of the year.