Buy a Duck, Set a World Record and Save a Swimming Pool

It seems like dozens of programs are trying to save swimming pools any given year, but they don’t all go about it the same way. YMCA of Middletown in New York put some thought into this fundraiser, and it might be worth your attention if your team has a pool in need of help.

Via IndieGoGo.com:

Want to set a world record with us? Here’s your chance to be a part of history and do some good.

On September 20th, 2014 we are going to set the world record for most rubber ducks in a pool, ever. When you buy one of these rubber ducks, it will be placed in the pool and become a part of world history. After the event, we will mail you your duck and it’s yours to keep forever and ever. All funds raised will go toward rebuilding our pool for future generations.

We need this pool.

Our community has come forward and helped to raise over $300,000 in the last six months, but the cost of rebuilding is astronomical. Due to it’s age, the pipes are inaccessible, there is structural cracking at the bottom, and the heating system is virtually uncontrollable. Pool engineers have indicated that structural failure will occur in less than a year. In addition, the pool resides beneath our gymnasium, halfway underground and will require complex demolition and material removal as well as reinforcing our facility to maintain structural integrity.

It is an enormous undertaking.

We need your help!

We’ve Been Saving Lives for over 60 Years.

Since the pool was built in 1954, over 20,000 children have been taught to swim, over 2,300 lifeguards have been trained and over 1,100 aquatics professionals have been employed. It is home to such activities like “Family Swim”, swim lessons, “Senior Swim and Rehabilitation,” a swim team, dedicated lap swimmers who visit daily, a kayak club and the American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification Program, which has trained half the lifeguards in Orange County, NY.

The pool has been more than just a place to exercise. A close-knit community has formed around it where generations of friends and families can come to socialize, get support, learn, and spend time together.

If you’re not convinced on why swimming is such an important activity, well we’ve got an infographic for that too!

SavetheLastLap

Because the pool is so important to our community and our facility, we put a lot of effort into creating a campaign to get the word out. We wanted to tell the story of the pool and those near and dear to it and express just how much it means to us. We invite you to get to know the story further by taking a guided tour through our interactive SavetheLastLap website.

Click here to buy a rubber duck and save the YMCA of Middletown Pool.

 

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About Gold Medal Mel Stewart

Gold Medal Mel Stewart

MEL STEWART Jr., aka Gold Medal Mel, won three Olympic medals at the 1992 Olympic Games. Mel's best event was the 200 butterfly. He is a former World, American, and NCAA Record holder in the 200 butterfly. As a writer/producer and sports columnist, Mel has contributed to Yahoo Sports, Universal Sports, …

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