In recognition of International Water Safety Day on May 15, the Duke Energy Foundation has announced a grant to the City of New Port Richey. The $10,000 grant will support swim lessons and summer camp scholarships for low-income families through the city's Youth Scholarship Assistance program.
Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president, emphasized the importance of safety in their operations. "Safety is central to how we operate at Duke Energy. Providing water safety education through swim lessons is a fun but important way to keep children in our community safe this summer," she said. Seixas also expressed gratitude towards the City of New Port Richey for offering these programs year-round.
The city will host a summer day camp from June 2 to August 8. Interested residents can register by contacting the Recreation and Aquatic Center or visiting their website. Kevin Trapp, assistant parks and recreation director, expressed appreciation for the foundation's support: “We’re incredibly grateful to Duke Energy Foundation for supporting our efforts to keep kids safe and active all summer long.”
The American Red Cross offers several water safety tips including swimming in designated areas supervised by lifeguards, always swimming with a buddy, wearing life jackets when boating, installing barriers around home pools or hot tubs, supervising children near water, staying within arm’s reach of young children without distractions, reaching or throwing aid to distressed swimmers instead of going into the water yourself, and keeping unused toys away from pools.
Duke Energy Foundation annually provides over $30 million in philanthropic support across communities where its customers reside. The foundation is funded by shareholders of Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), one of America's largest energy holding companies based in Charlotte, N.C., serving millions across multiple states.
For more information about New Port Richey and its offerings as one of Florida’s historic hometowns with an attractive downtown area and riverfront landscape visit their official website.