The Watermelon Swim School in Brooksville is teaming up with Tampa General Hospital and Hernando Fire Rescue to host the “Splash Safer 2026” event on May 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 955 Candlelight Boulevard in Brooksville. This free community-wide water safety event aims to promote drowning prevention, education, and family preparedness ahead of the summer season.
Families can participate in “Swim with a Firefighter” sessions, which are designed for children to build confidence and learn crucial life-saving skills alongside trained instructors and local firefighters. The event will also feature interactive stations on CPR, swim safety, and sun safety, where kids can earn “Jr. Lifeguard” badges. Additionally, attendees can explore a fire truck, an aeromed helicopter, and enjoy food trucks, a bounce house, and a dunk tank.
The event is open to everyone, and no registration is required. However, families need to reserve a spot to swim with a firefighter through Eventbrite.com by searching for “Splash Safer 2026 – Swim with a Firefighter.” According to Julia Stewart, Watermelon Swim Marketing Manager, “Splash Safer 2026 aims to empower families with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to stay safer around water.”
Originally launched by Tampa General Hospital and Hernando Fire Rescue, the event has expanded to include Watermelon Swim School to create a more immersive lesson-focused experience for families.
Originally reported by Hernando Sun
Sources: Hernando Sun
