As a child, Jones loved being in the water, but a harrowing incident at a water park when he was five years old changed his perspective. He found himself trapped underwater after a ride, and despite the dramatic portrayals often seen in media, he describes the experience as eerily silent. “It’s usually silent, especially with young kids,” Jones recalls. “I was underwater for almost 40 seconds before a lifeguard managed to rescue me.”
This traumatic event left a lasting impact on Jones. Initially timid around water, he struggled with confidence and required instruction from five different teachers before he felt comfortable in the water. His perseverance paid off when he went on to win a gold medal in the 4×100-meter freestyle relay at the 2008 Olympics, becoming the first African American to hold a world record in swimming. He continued his success with additional medals in 2012.
Now an ambassador for pool supplies retailer Leslie’s, Jones is dedicated to preventing others from having similar experiences. “It’s crucial to teach children how to swim,” he emphasizes. “It’s not enough just to let them play in the shallow end. Proper swim lessons provide essential life skills and ensure safety around water.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report approximately 4,000 accidental drowning deaths annually, with a noticeable increase during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially among Black communities. Drowning is also the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4 and the second leading cause for children ages 5 to 14.
Jones offers these key safety tips:
- Learn to Swim: Both children and adults benefit from learning to swim. “If at least one parent knows how to swim, there’s an 88% chance that their child will learn as well,” he points out. Swim education is a crucial life skill at any age.
- Check Pool Water Quality: Clear water does not always mean it’s clean. Ensuring that pool water is properly maintained is essential for health and safety.
- Ensure Pool Area Safety: Securing the pool area is vital. Jones recommends using Coast Guard-approved flotation devices, pool covers, and alarms to prevent accidents. He underscores the importance of these measures, sharing that his own precautions have been crucial in keeping his child safe.
Jones, alongside Leslie’s, is also working with the Boys and Girls Club and the Red Cross to provide swim lesson opportunities for families in need, with fundraising efforts continuing through October 31.
By sharing his experience and tips, Jones aims to make swimming safety a priority for families and ensure that everyone can enjoy the water safely.
