Izzy Scott Foundation Promoting Safe Swimming
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed Izzy’s Law into effect last year, following the death of 4-year-old Israel “Izzy” Scott who drowned during swimming lessons at a private home in Burke County in 2022.
Izzy’s parents, Dori and Walt Scott, spearheaded efforts to improve swimming safety regulations in hopes of preventing future tragedies in the community.
With the passage of Izzy’s Law on May 3, 2023, the Department of Public Health was required to develop a safety plan for aquatic activities based on the standards for nationally accredited swim instructors. Senator Max Burns, who sponsored the legislation, said “Izzy’s Law will aid in providing a safe environment for our children to learn how to swim and further protect young people throughout the state.”
Izzy’s Law Safety Plan Requires:
- Student-to-instructor ratios
- Secondary supervision of lessons
- Allowing parents and guardians to be present and participate in private lessons
- At least one instructor or assistant must be CPR certified
- By April 1, 2024, all private swim instructors would have to have an aquatic safety plan in place that addresses all requirements before offering lessons or face a misdemeanor charge and up to a $200 fine.
Izzy Scott Foundation Partnering with the Kroc Center to Promote Safe Swimming
The Izzy Scott Foundation is partnering with the Salvation Army Kroc Center in Augusta to raise awareness about swim safety.
“Ever since Izzy passed, my family has been passionate about doing what we can to ensure that this doesn’t happen to another family,” said Foundation CEO/President Walt Scott.
Scott said a news conference will be held April 1 at 10 am at the Kroc Center to announce details of the partnership and plans for an annual fundraiser.
The Goal of the Partnership
The goal of the Izzy Scott Foundation and the Kroc Center is to raise money to provide swim lessons to 100 individuals in the Augusta area.
For More Information:
Contact Walt Scott at www.izzyscottfoundationinc@gmail.com.
Georgia Has One of the Deadliest Lakes in the U.S.
In Georgia, we’re blessed to be surrounded by beauty and nature. Last weekend, I went to visit my uncle, who lives off a lake. It was a great time, even though it was pretty cold outside. Still, sitting along the lake and watching the ripples and currents was such a peaceful experience. But, I got to thinking, how dangerous are lakes across America? As it turns out, Georgia has one of the deadliest lakes in all of America.
Before we get to our state, let’s look at another state that has lots of lakes: Michigan. According to the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, 15 people have already died in the Great Lakes in 2023. Think about the fact that the season hasn’t even started yet, and that’s pretty incredible. A total of 108 people drowned in the Great Lakes in 2022. Also, a whopping 1,170 people have died in the Great Lakes since 2010. It’s a reminder to stay safe out there and take precautions when the waters get rough.
My Michigan Beach has some simple tips to stay safe in the water this year. They say to, “Never swim alone; swim with lifeguards and/or water watchers present. Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket appropriate for your weight and size and the water activity. Always wear a life jacket while boating, regardless of swimming skill.
Swim sober.” My Michigan Beach also notes that the Great Lakes are freshwater seas, meaning, “the water can change quickly.” Find more tips on how to stay safe on the beach this summer here.
Georgia Has One of the Deadliest Lakes in America
Read on for the deadliest lakes in all of America, including one which is right here. Have you visited any of the lakes below? Reach out to us on social media and let us know.
Mary Liz is the News Director and Co-Host of Augusta’s Morning News on WGAC. She spent 11 years as a News Director at an Indiana Radio Station. She has also worked as a former Police and Courts Reporter for The Republic Newspaper and Assistant Marketing Director of Merchants National Bank in Indianapolis. Mary Liz focuses most on local breaking news stories, feature stories on upcoming events, or community-service related organizations and the people who serve them. She has been with WGAC since 1995.
