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| Russell Reddick addresses the Los Angeles Fire Department during his nationwide journey to improve drowning prevention. |
Escorted locally by members of the Fire Hogs Motorcycle Club, Russell Reddick arrived in Sherman Oaks on September 18, 2013 to the cheers of Los Angeles Firefighters who staff LAFD's seasonal Swift Water Rescue Teams.
Those rescuers are among many nationwide tracking Russell's self-funded "Four Corners Ride", which will take the Casper, Wyoming man to distant points of Washington state, California, Florida and Maine in honor of his 6 year-old daughter, who senselessly drowned during swim lessons.
The nonstop ride is also raising awareness and funds for the Drowning Support Network (DSN), which offers peer support to those who have lost loved ones to drowning or other aquatic accidents, including when no physical remains have been recovered - or the recovery process has been lengthy and difficult. Families dealing with near-drowning injuries also receive support through DSN.
Joining firefighters to welcome Mr. Reddick was DSN Founder Nancy Rigg, a Southern California resident who knows all-too-well the heartache that accompanies drowning.
Rigg reminded the audience at Fire Station 88 that drowning remains the leading cause of accidental death among children four and younger - and the second leading cause in kids 4-14. Citing the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, she offered the sobering fact that 10-12 Americans drown each day - a number that does not include flood, hurricane, tsunami deaths or those related to boating.
Rigg joined the Los Angeles Fire Department in reminding local residents of all ages to respect and prevent the dangers that remain in any body of water, including pools, spas and bathtubs, as well as rivers, lakes and the ocean.
Learn more about the work of DSN at:
Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department
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