TruGreen partnered with the American Red Cross this summer, seeking to help reduce the drowning rate among the nation’s children, particularly those in more vulnerable communities, such as Brevard County, Sarasota County, and Indian River County, Florida–who too often do not have regular access to pools and swim lessons.

TruGreen funding support covers swim lesson registration, water safety instructors, lifeguard training and educational kits for both children and their families in these communities. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is responsible for more deaths among children ages one to four than any other cause except birth defects. Among children ages one to fourteen, drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related death, behind motor vehicle accidents.

The statistics are even more concerning in minority communities. Seven out of ten African American children and six out of ten Latino children are unable to swim.  

The drowning statistics are alarming, and as a company that encourages people to “Live Life Outside” TruGreen is committed to helping drive these numbers down. Among five core guiding principles adopted by TruGreen, “Community” is one.  

TruGreen has been a partner of the Red Cross for years and is also a founding member of the organization’s Mosaic Circle, an initiative designed to increase awareness and grow partnerships between the Red Cross and minority communities.

To learn more about the Red Cross Aquatics Centennial Initiative, an effort aimed at making the water a safer place for everyone, visit redcross.org.