Several years ago, our friends Kamaria and Donzell McDonald lost their young son Dane in a drowning accident.  They are both great, loving and responsible Southwest valley parents.  If it could happen to them, it could happen to anyone!  Most childhood drownings can be prevented through water education and swim lessons.  I joined the Southwest Valley YMCA advisory board as a volunteer to specifically head up this Safety Around Water campaign in memory of Dane.  The Southwest Valley YMCA, a 501c3 Charity, is looking to give 500 members of our community FREE lessons from certified swim instructors but we need your support!  Here is the McDonald's story:

This is Dane. His smile radiated love and kindness to those around him. His wild yet gentle spirit along with his love of dancing, singing and playing made our home a better and more enjoyable place. Our sweet boy lived every minute to the fullest during his 39 months here on earth. Dane tragically passed away from a drowning accident in May of 2014.

On that day, my family and I were attending a party at a friend’s home that had an outdoor pool. I was standing by the pool with a gathering of other adults while all of our children enjoyed the water. I thought my boy was safe at the time as he was not in the pool. I stepped away to tend to my 7 month old son and I cannot change what happened next. I do know that we can prepare ourselves and our children to avoid the horrible accident that occurred that day. I never truly understood the importance of Water Safety Education.

Losing a child is the most unimaginable pain a parent could ever endure. I honor Dane every day as I try to create a kinder and more loving world, the type of world Dane created for himself. He blessed our family and the community with love and laughter. I share his story to help raise awareness regarding the need for Water Safety Education and so we can work together to prevent any future drownings. #doitfordane—Kamaria & Donzell McDonald

• $100 donation teaches a child lifesaving water safety skills
• $500 teaches an entire family
• $1,000 can teach 10 children water safety and the skills needed to join a recreational swim team
• $2,500 teaches an entire classroom of students
• $10,000 teaches an entire grade level