On August 22 and 23, the Massachusetts State Police, Lowell Police, and the Lowell YMCA staff came together to host a water safety and basic swimming course for children at the Lowell Y according to a press release. Several dozen elementary-aged youth received water safety instructions from the troopers of the MSP's Dive Team, and were taught the importance of safety in and around bodies of water. The joint effort reflects the commitment of both police agencies to protect young people and prevent future tragedies.
As Colonel John Mawn Jr., superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police, noted, "The loss of any life is always a terrible and tragic occurrence. The death of a child, in particular, affects all of us in a very visceral and very personal way.” He goes on to emphasize that the program’s objective is to proactively prevent accidents, especially those that could have been avoided, in pursuit of public safety and community support.
This initiative is seen as a response to the tragic drownings that have occurred in Lowell in recent years. Lowell Police Superintendent Greg Hudon expressed gratitude for the support provided by the Massachusetts State Police during those incidents and their continued efforts in promoting water safety education for the city's youth.
The Massachusetts State Police's water safety program originated several years ago as an initiative of the Department's Division of Homeland Security, founded in the wake of numerous child drowning deaths as detailed in the press release. It seeks to empower children with knowledge and skills to be safe in and around various bodies of water, including pools, oceans, lakes, rivers, and ponds. Previously offered in Framingham and New Bedford, the program continues to expand its reach with future classes planned in other areas of the state.
