Las Vegas-based builder Paragon Pools has been raising public awareness about swimming and pool safety through its Float Like A Duck event for 14 years. Joseph Vassallo, founder of the firm, and the initiative’s mascot, Duckie, appear at the annual YMCA event and as guest speakers at hospitals and schools.
This summer, Float Like A Duck is expanding its positive message with the launch of a PSA video campaign called “Learning to swim, led me to…” In a series of videos, more than two dozen individuals and groups share how swimming has positively affected their personal growth, career path, sports accomplishments, academics, and other aspects of their lives. Volunteer participants were named Aqua Ambassadors and represent members of the Southern Nevada community whose lives have been improved by swimming, said publicist Mary Vail, creator and producer of the campaign.
The first video premiered at the Memorial Day Float Like A Duck event. Others, including segments in Spanish and other foreign languages, will be released throughout summer to gain further reach.
The campaign’s goal is to show children that learning to swim can open them up to adventure and opportunity. “Swimming builds physical strength and endurance,” said Vassallo. “Achieving the ability to swim also builds character and bolsters one’s confidence to try other activities.”
