JOSHUA COLLINGSWORTH MEMORIAL FOUNDATION
The Joshua Collingsworth Memorial Foundation (DBA JCMF Children’s Charities) was founded by Blake and Kathy Collingsworth in 2008 after their personal tragedy of losing their son, Josh, due to accidental drowning. Out of this tragedy has come a worldwide foundation whose sole mission is to educate children and adults about water safety and drowning prevention. The local nonprofit foundation is recognized nationally and internationally for its dedication to water safety and childhood drowning prevention.
JOSH THE OTTER WATER SAFETY & AWARENESS PROGRAM
In 2008, Josh the Otter Water Safety and Awareness Program was created. The program was designed to teach young children about water safety through the use of Josh the Baby Otter. A book written by Blake Collingsworth, which has been translated into 12 languages. Over 500,000 books have been distributed globally since the foundation began. The program has been presented in classrooms, community centers, zoos, pools, and childcare facilities around the world. With ongoing support, we will continue to incorporate the Josh the Otter Program in every educational curriculum in the United States and beyond.
FLOAT 4 LIFE
In 2009, Float 4 Life was developed through the partnership of the Joshua Collingsworth Memorial Foundation and the YMCA of Lincoln, Nebraska. Together they implemented the first infant and toddler water-training courses in the city.
Float 4 Life has expanded into YMCA's across Nebraska, the Salvation Army KROC Center of Omaha, NE, Omaha Parks and Recreation Department, and into swim facilities across the country. To date, well over 14,000 infants and toddlers have been taught these lifesaving skills throughout the United States and an average of 640 children a month. The Float 4 Life Training Facility & Program is in a position to be the leader in infant and toddler water training, with instructors coming to learn all over the country, from Alaska, Florida, California and coast to coast.
LIFE JACKET LOANER STATIONS
Life Jacket Loaner Stations are in collaboration with Josh The Otter and Lincoln Giving Spirits Evening Rotary Club, with national partner Novelis. Four stations are located on local lakes, two on docks at Branched Oak, Pawnee Lake, including two on the beaches. Four more stations will be installed at beaches in NE lakes.
JOSHUA COLLINGSWORTH MEMORIAL FOUNDATION
The Joshua Collingsworth Memorial Foundation (DBA JCMF Children’s Charities) was founded by Blake and Kathy Collingsworth in 2008 after their personal tragedy of losing their son, Josh, due to accidental drowning. Out of this tragedy has come a worldwide foundation whose sole mission is to educate children and adults about water safety and drowning prevention. The local nonprofit foundation is recognized nationally and internationally for its dedication to water safety and childhood drowning prevention.
