News Summary
Mama Duck, the world’s largest rubber duck at 60 feet, arrives in Myrtle Beach for an event promoting water safety. Debuting from May 8 to 11, she highlights the importance of drowning prevention during National Water Safety Month. Visitors can enjoy educational activities, including ‘Splash Safe Day’ on May 10, while local officials stress the need for water safety awareness. This initiative aims to create a culture of safety in the community, especially among children, as they prepare for summer fun around water.
Myrtle Beach Welcomes World’s Largest Rubber Duck to Promote Water Safety
The world’s largest rubber duck, known as “Mama Duck,” is making her debut visit to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, from May 8 to May 11. Standing at an impressive 60 feet tall, Mama Duck was created just outside Hilton Head, South Carolina, and her presence is part of the City of Myrtle Beach and the YMCA of Coastal Carolina’s Splash Safe Challenge, which coincides with National Water Safety Month.
During her stay, Mama Duck will be inflated every morning from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Visitors can view the gigantic duck from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and until 3 p.m. on Sunday at the Burroughs & Chapin Pavilion Park, located at 812 North Ocean Blvd.
Educational Events and Activities
A highlight of the visit will be a special educational event dubbed “Splash Safe Day”, taking place on May 10 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This event is designed to promote water safety awareness, particularly aimed at children, as drowning is the leading cause of death for kids aged 1-4, according to the YMCA of Coastal Carolina.
To further enhance water safety education, tips and resources are being displayed around the park, including QR codes that link to additional materials. The YMCA is actively supporting this initiative by offering 1,000 free swim lessons to children across Horry, Georgetown, and Williamsburg counties, aiming to mitigate incidents of drowning.
Community Response and Support
The involvement of local officials has underscored the significance of this initiative. Mayor of Myrtle Beach, Brenda Bethune, along with South Carolina Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, spoke at the event, stressing the necessity of vigilance around water activities. They aimed to raise public awareness regarding the potential dangers that can arise at beaches and other water bodies.
The Myrtle Beach Fire Department also highlighted the practical implications of water safety, reporting that they conduct dozens of beach rescues and issue hundreds of preventive alerts each year due to hazardous conditions along the coast. This scenario emphasizes the serious need for educational efforts aimed at preventing drowning and other water-related incidents.
Community Impact
Residents and parents have expressed gratitude for the increased focus on water safety related to Mama Duck’s visit. Many recognize the vital importance of educating children about safe practices around water, particularly during the peak summer months when families frequent beaches, pools, and water parks. Mama Duck’s larger-than-life presence is not only a visual spectacle but serves as a crucial symbol of safety and awareness within the community.
A Conclusion to Encourage Safety
Overall, Mama Duck’s arrival in Myrtle Beach is not merely a quirky attraction; it stands as a pivotal outreach effort to instill a culture of safety around water. The initiative represents a collaborative approach from city officials, local organizations, and the community, all coming together in the name of safeguarding the future generation from preventable tragedies. Visitors are encouraged to partake in the various activities and benefit from the informative resources provided during this important event.
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Additional Resources
- WMBF News
- WPDE News
- Post and Courier
- WISTV
- Wikipedia: Water Safety
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Drowning
- Google Search: Water Safety Awareness
- Myrtle Beach Online
- WBTW News
- Google Search: Drowning Prevention
