News Summary

Mama Duck, the world’s largest rubber duck, has made her debut in Myrtle Beach to promote water safety awareness. Towering over six stories tall, this inflatable is part of the city’s collaboration with the YMCA of Coastal Carolina, serving as a colorful ambassador for the Splash Safe Challenge. The initiative aims to provide free swim lessons for children and emphasize the critical importance of water safety as summer approaches. Mama Duck will be stationed at Burroughs & Chapin Pavilion Park until May 11, encouraging families to learn about drowning prevention.

Myrtle Beach Welcomes World’s Largest Rubber Duck for Water Safety Initiative

A giant rubber duck measuring over six stories tall, known as “Mama Duck,” has arrived in Myrtle Beach to promote water safety awareness as part of the city’s collaboration with the YMCA of Coastal Carolina. The duck will be on display until May 11, serving as a larger-than-life ambassador for the Splash Safe Challenge and National Water Safety Month.

The initiative aims to raise awareness about the critical importance of water safety, particularly among children. Drowning has been identified as the leading cause of death for children aged 1 to 4, prompting community leaders to emphasize preventative measures. Craig Samborski, the Head Duck Wrangler, stated that Mama Duck’s presence in Myrtle Beach is especially fitting, akin to “a duck to water,” as it serves to remind the public about safety in swimming, boating, and other water-related activities.

The YMCA of Coastal Carolina has set a goal to provide 1,000 free swim lessons to children in Horry, Georgetown, and Williamsburg counties as part of the Splash Safe initiative. This effort aims to remove barriers to access and equip children with lifesaving skills, which are essential during warmer weather when water activities increase.

The Myrtle Beach Fire Department reports conducting dozens of beach rescues each year and issues hundreds of alerts about dangerous conditions, reinforcing the necessity of community awareness regarding water safety. With the upcoming summer season, local parents have expressed appreciation for the elevated focus on water safety, especially given the area’s proximity to beaches and pools.

Mama Duck is stationed at Burroughs & Chapin Pavilion Park, located at 812 North Ocean Blvd, with visiting hours from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Special educational events will be held, including one scheduled for Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The duck was officially inflated on Thursday morning, with local officials, including Myrtle Beach Mayor Brenda Bethune and South Carolina Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, underscoring the importance of drowning prevention.

Throughout the pavilion, signs display valuable water safety tips, along with QR codes that provide additional resources for visitors. Mama Duck is inflated each morning between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., making it accessible for families and individuals interested in learning more about water safety.

This visit marks Mama Duck’s first appearance in South Carolina, with the iconic figure originally created near Hilton Head. The event is made possible through collaborative partnerships among the YMCA of Coastal Carolina, the City of Myrtle Beach, and Visit Myrtle Beach, all working together to promote a safer aquatic environment for the community.

Overall, Mama Duck’s presence not only highlights the significance of water safety awareness but also encourages children to learn vital swimming skills that can ultimately save lives.

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Additional Resources

• WMBF News
• Wikipedia: Water Safety
• WPDE
• Google Search: Water Safety Awareness
• Post and Courier
• Google Scholar: Drowning Prevention Programs
• WIS TV
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Drowning
• WBTW News
• Google News: Water Safety Measures

Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH

The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.