Rubber Duck Race Helps Draw Attention To Drowning Prevention
A bout 10,000 yellow rubber ducks will float down the Lazy River at Sun-N-Fun Lagoon on Saturday, February 2, to raise money for the NCH Safe & Healthy Children’s Coalition. “This is the first Duck Race for us,” says Paula DiGrigoli, executive director of the NCH Safe & Healthy Children’s Coalition. After seeing the duck race success in cities around the nation like the one in Chicago, DiGrigoli decided this was a great fit for Southwest Florida. “This will be our main fundraiser,” she says. “We want to encourage everybody to go to the website, GreatNaplesDuckRace. com, to adopt the ducks.” All of the money raised goes toward drowning prevention and other coalition initiatives.
Each numbered yellow rubber duck will be wearing their sunglasses as they bob and zip down the Lazy River, carried by the current. The owner of the first duck to cross the finish line wins $10,000; second place is $5,000 and third place is $2,500. Participants get free admission for the family fun event that includes a water safety festival where families can learn how to be safer in and around the water. You do not have to be present to win. The NCH Safe & Healthy Children’s Coalition was founded in 2010 after an increase in drowning deaths in Collier County. Drowning is the leading cause of injury death for children ages 1-4 in Florida and it is preventable. This year, 83 children have drowned in Florida.
Paula DiGrigoli
Twelve ducks for $100 pays for seven water safety presentations at preschools.
Buying 24 ducks for $200 funds 33 door and window alarms to help prevent children from wandering into pools, lakes or canals.
A $10 duck pays for a life jacket that is available for free use at 15 Collier County locations.
$50, buys six ducks that pays for 10 swimming lessons for a child.
Great Naples Duck Race Water Safety Festival Saturday, February 2, 2019 Sun-N-Fun Lagoon
To Adopt a Duck or to become a Quacker Backer corporate sponsor go to GreatNaplesDuckRace.com
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