Children and young adults from birth to 29 years account for over half (57 percent) of all drowning deaths (Source: WHO, December 13, 2024). More children ages 1 to 4 die from drowning than any other cause of death. Drowning is the second-leading cause of unintentional injury death (after motor vehicle crashes) for children ages 5 to 14 (CDC, October 20, 2024).
Making swimming lessons available can save lives. Almost 40 million adults (54 percent) in the United States do not know how to swim, and over half (54.7 percent) have never taken a swimming lesson. Adults 65 years of age and older had the second-highest rate of drowning in 2022 (CDC, May 15, 2024).
STAR AquaCenter (Southampton Town Aquatics and Recreation Center) is a project to combat this tragic preventable issue. It will have two pools; one will be an eight-lane practice and competition pool, and the other pool will be multifunctional, offering swimming lessons, physical therapy and water aerobics classes.
The STAR AquaCenter has obtained the land and approved plans, including permits; however, only a portion of the funds needed have been raised to date.
Fatal drownings have increased in Suffolk County compared to 2023 and 2022. These statistics are worse in Suffolk County than in Nassau County, as ours is a coastal community lacking a community pool. Suffolk County had 10 children die of drowning as of July 22, 2024. There were four in 2023 and eight in 2022.
When are we going to do something to prevent this?
I am a 94-year-old woman who teaches water aerobics in her unheated condo pool every summer. I’d like to see the STAR AquaCenter built while I’m still around to enjoy it.
Please consider getting involved with, donating to, and supporting the STAR AquaCenter. Visit staraquacenter.org for more info and thank you.
Fay Mack
Southampton
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