EDINA, Minn — Memorial Day Weekend is considered the start of the summer swim season and the work of a Twin Cities charitable foundation aims to make it safe.
Scott and Katey Taylor founded Abbey's Hope after their 6-year-old daughter Abigail died in 2008 as a result of injuries sustained from an improperly maintained pool drain cover. Scott and Katey joined KARE 11 Saturday to discuss water safety.
Since 2008, Abbey's Hope has provided over 50,000 free swim lessons and 1000 lifeguard scholarships and is a national leader in water safety and drowning prevention. Abbey's Hope is currently working on giving away 10,000 life jackets in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
Upcoming events that are open to the public:
- St. Paul WaterFest - 11 a.m. - June 1
- Eden Prairie - Nesbitt Park - 5 p.m. - July 23
- Eden Prairie - Forest Hills Park - 5 p.m. - August 13
Water Safety Basics:
- Teach children to have adult permission and supervision when entering the water.
- Parents actively supervise children while swimming and when near water. Over 70% of drownings happen during non-swim times.
- Enroll your child in swim lessons to teach them a lifesaving skill.
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