improving the lives of children with special needs and their families the joey pizzano memorial fund...

Improving the lives of children with special needs and their Improving the lives of children with special needs and their familiesfamilies

The Joey Pizzano Memorial Fund

Safe Kids Worldwide

Child Injury Prevention Conference

October 14-18, 2008 – Washington DC

JPMF Make-a-Splash: Learn to be safe Learn to be safe and have fun in and around and have fun in and around

the waterthe water



How it all Came About…How it all Came About…

Joey Pizzano, a wonderful 6-year old child with a developmental disability, died in a tragic drowning accident in 1998.

His bright smile and love of life touched many people and his family founded the Joey Pizzano Memorial Fund (JPMF) to celebrate his life and carry on his memory.

The mission of JPMF is to “improve the lives of children with special needs and their families”.



How it all Came About…How it all Came About…The Make a Splash program was designed to share Joey’s love of water with other children with special needs. The program teaches individuals with disabilities to “be safe and have fun in and around the water”.

The program is based on 5 safety rules developed specifically for individuals with disabilities.

Learn to be safe and have fun in and around the waterLearn to be safe and have fun in and around the water

The JPMF Make a Splash Program

This unique program

is geared toward children and young adults with special needs

pairs volunteer “swim buddies” with each participant

based on 5 basic safety rules

has an accompanying activity and program guide

exposes participants to a life long leisure activity

keeps kids safe!!!



A unique program for a unique population



The 5 Basic SAFETY RULES are the FOUNDATION of Make a Splash

Always Swim with a Buddy

No Running, No Pushing

STOP…LOOK…LISTEN When the Lifeguard Blows the Whistle

Blow bubbles when under water

Stand up, put feet down when in trouble



RULE 1 : Always Swim with a Buddy

Sample Activity from guide:

Title: THE MATCH GAME (Animal Noises)Materials: Participant and swim buddyProcedure: At the beginning of the session, designate an animal noise that only the two of you will have (quack, moo, woof, etc.)Suggestions: Do it at random & planned times



RULE 2: No Running, No Pushing

“when you run, you can’t have fun. When you push and shove, you don’t show love. No push, no run, be safe, have fun!”

Sample Activity from guide: Title: RECITE THE RULES JINGLEMaterials: Participant and swim buddyProcedure: First recite the jingle and have Them listen, then have them join inSuggestions: Try the jingle in a round

Strategies for when running occurs:• Have participant show you how a turtle walks

• Remind them of quiet feet

• Repeat the jingle

• Notify staff member, have them sit out awhile



RULE 3: STOP…LOOK…LISTEN When the Lifeguard Blows the Whistle

Sample Activity from guide: Title: FREEZE SWIMMaterials: Radio, whistle, lifeguard (preferable but not a must)Procedure: Play music from the radio and have the participants Swim and dance to the music. Then cut the music off and simultaneously blow the whistle. When this occursThe participants stop, look, and listen to whoever blew the whistleSuggestions: Use cues such as pointing to the person who blew the whistle to get them in the habit of looking where the sound came from.

“Stop, look and listen when the whistle blows. First you use your eyes and ears, and then you do as you are told.”



RULE 4: Blow bubbles when under water

“Head below, bubbles blow”

Sample Activity from guide: Title: PING PONG CATCHMaterials: A ping pong ball and strawsProcedure: Play pass with a ping pong ball (without straw)By floating the ball on the water and practicingBlowing it back and forth to each other.Suggestions: If the activity gets too easy, try it with a straw



RULE 5: Stand up, put feet down when in trouble

Sample Activity from guide: Title: “ROCK-A-BY-BABY”Materials: Participant and swim buddy Procedure: Have the swim buddy cradle their participant in their arms and swing back and forth while singing. When the song is over, drop the participant from just above the surface into water to have them practice putting their feet on the ground.Suggestions: Stand over the participant with your hands under the water ready to pull them up at a moments notice if they are not finding their footing right away.



VOLUNTEERS are KEY to the Success of Make-a-Splash

1 to 1 ratio ensures that individuals of varying abilities are being met, can adapt lesson plans

Exposes and educates the community on individuals with disabilities

JPMF funds lifeguarding certification classes for volunteers, thus increasing awareness among future lifeguards



The program can look different at different locations, but there are certain components that every make a splash program must follow:

Make a Splash Program Requirements

5 JPMF Safety Rules

Program Curriculum & Activity guide

Adaptable lesson plans

Trained instructor to lead the class

ENTHUSIASM!!!

Volunteers – swim buddies



Positive Impacts of JPMF Make a Splash

Increases the number of individuals with disabilities that are safe in and around the water

Increases confidence and independence of swimmers

Introduces new leisure skill to improve health and well being

Teaches a lifelong leisure skill they can participate in as a family

Connects volunteers to the community



The JPMF Make a Splash Water Safety Program in partnership with Fairfax Co. Department of Community and Recreation Services was first piloted in 2001 with 50 swimmers at one site.

Over the next 7 years, the program developed and built popularity.

It is currently offered at 12 sites and has served over 3,000 children with special needs.

JPMF is ready to EXPAND into new areas…JPMF is ready to EXPAND into new areas…

Recent completion of Activity Guide and Program Guide

50 80120

470 505 525 530 550

-5050

150250350450550650

# of Swimmers Served

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Year Program Ran

Total # of Swimmers Served in Fairfax County

New Make a Splash Grant Program

Make a Splash Growth in Fairfax CountyMake a Splash Growth in Fairfax County

Accompanying training video in development



Why Make a Splash in your Why Make a Splash in your neighborhood?neighborhood? There is a need…

An estimated 5000 children, ages 14 and under are hospitalized due to unintentional drowning related accidents each year

There is an Increase in individuals being diagnosed with disabilities each year

There is a growing trend in serving individuals with disabilities in their own community



Why Make a Splash in your Why Make a Splash in your neighborhood?neighborhood?AND there is an easy solution…

JPMF has done the legwork for you

It’s proven to be a successful program

Comes with a polished and comprehensive program curriculum and activity guide

JOIN OUR TEAM!!!

Thank Thank You!You!

For more information visit www.jpmf.org

JPMF Make a Splash Grant applications can

be found at: www.VRPS.com

improving the lives of children with special needs and their families the joey pizzano memorial fund...

Documents

water jpmf

water slide

program guide

unique program

splash program rule

kids safe

lives of children

joeys love of water