May is National Water Safety Awareness Month.
Did you know that Louisiana has been ranked the 3rd in the country among states with the highest drowning rates over the last few years? The Louisiana Department of Health revealed that 2020 was the deadliest year for child drownings for our state and there was a 60% increase in drownings for children ages 0 to 14 years old, compared to the year prior. This amount remained just as high in 2021.
Our family was tragically one of these statistics. We were one of many that believed such a tragedy would not happen to us, UNTIL IT DOES. On October 20th 2020, we experienced an unexpected nightmare that no parent is prepared for. It was a typical weekday morning at home with my 17 month old daughter, Mazie Leah. Both her big brothers were at school and my husband, Mazie’s dad, was at work. We had just finished breakfast and she was playing in the living room while I cleaned up the kitchen. Although she wasn’t yet walking, I never left her sight for long. Our example is living proof that in a matter of minutes (at the most) your world can be turned upside down.
When I walked back into the living room (connected to the kitchen), I didn’t see Mazie. After only searching inside briefly, what I am assured to the prompting of the Holy Spirit, I instinctively went to our backyard to look for her. Each time I recall the events from that day, I have to share that as I was beginning to panic only God could guide my footsteps where they needed to be. We rarely went to the backyard just us during the day and she NEVER ventured there alone. She couldn’t yet reach the door handles BUT we did have a doggy door. I ran outside and there she was floating in our pool.
As I yelled loud enough for the neighbors to hear, I grabbed her and ran inside to get my phone to call 911. The dispatcher walked me through CPR as I waited for first responders to arrive and take over. It was THE most horrific day and traumatic moments that I still hate to think about. Not long after continuing to do everything possible to revive her, Acadian Ambulance brought her to the ER at Women’s and Children’s Hospital. To us it seemed she progressed some overnight when she was transferred to the PICU but the next afternoon she went to Heaven.
This is a condensed version of our story and you can read more on our website. We share to stress the urgency of what absolutely can happen to ANYONE, to encourage water safety awareness and ultimately to SAVE LIVES, both young and old. And this is exactly why we started our non-profit, Mazie’s Mission.
We are determined to bridge a significant gap not only in the Acadiana community but statewide. There has been so much we have learned since our tragedy, realizing Louisiana is under-resourced when it comes to drowning prevention initiatives. Mazie has inspired us to turn our PAIN INTO PURPOSE by helping others be educated on water safety.
As you and your family prepare for summer fun at pools, lakes or the beach, we encourage you to be familiar and share with others these layers of protection. These safety tips also apply inside of your home. Drownings can occur in just an inch of water so bathroom safety is also important.
Since the inception of Mazie’s Mission in 2021, we have proactively taken steps to collaborate with area supporters and city officials to begin making a difference in Acadiana. On May 20th, Mazie’s Mission is teaming up with the City of Lafayette Aquatics – COLA to host Water Safety Awareness Day. All in the community are invited to attend this free event. Along with other partners, we are providing helpful resources and free swim lessons to attendees. The event will be from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm at the David Robicheaux Center on Eraste Landry. We will also have a memorial tent and honor families who have lost a child to a drowning.
You will also notice signs around area public ponds in Lafayette Parish. We have been blessed by the reception and support of communities such as Youngsville, Broussard and Lafayette who agree with the need for more awareness. We have come up with a design for signs that are being placed around the ponds at the Youngsville and Broussard Sports Complexes as well as Girard Park in Lafayette.
As more parks and other public facilities that have high walking traffic around bodies of water are established, we will continue to pursue these partnerships to have signs in place. Here in the pelican state we are of course surrounded by water and sadly not only young children but many adults are not skilled to swim. Our hope is that these efforts spark conversations on water safety. If YOU know of another park in your community that would benefit from these signs, we would be so grateful for your involvement by assisting us to be in touch with community leaders.
As Mazie’s parents, we are committed to honoring her legacy and educating others on water safety to save lives of children of all ages. You’ll find more tips on our website and a list of swim lesson providers.
Stay safe this summer and year round friends!
Additional Water Safety Resources
Summer Safety Tip: Why The Color of Your Child’s Swimsuit Matters
I Saved My Child’s Life (And Hope You Never Have To)
More Water Safety Tips & Information
