ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) -Swim for life is a program aimed at promoting water safety and providing swim lessons for children for free.

Dougherty County Coroner Michael Fowler launched the program in 2016 to help combat the number of drownings in the county. Fowler says since he launched the program, no child that’s participated has drowned.

“Many kids don’t have the funds and sometimes they don’t have the attire. We’re making it possible and available for them to be able to go to the YMCA, the Boys and Girls Club, the recreation department and even Albany State University to learn how to swim. We have lifeguards that will be assisting them and training them on how to swim. We don’t want a child to drown in Dougherty County.”

Families are invited to Turtle Park on May 31 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. to sign up for the program all while diving into a day full of fun.

The registration event will have water slides, cool treats, face painting, and local vendors. Donations are welcome to sponsor a child or contribute to the program through Zelle at (229)344-2253, Cashapp at $MLF1243 , or checks can be sent to Swim For Life P.O. Box 5332, Albany, GA 31706 .

Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Let us know. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WALB on Facebook and X (Twitter). For more South Georgia news, download the WALB News app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

Copyright 2025 WALB. All rights reserved.