TAMPA – Dozens of children packed into the Glazer Children’s Museum on May 6 to hear Super Bowl Champion Shaquil Barrett read “Water Safety Adventures with Slyce.”
The storytime kicked off the museum’s monthlong Safer Swimming campaign, created in partnership with Watermelon Swim to mark National Water Safety Month.
The free event took place during the museum’s popular Free Tuesday, made possible by the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County.
“We had a lot of safety precautions, but the main one we didn’t have was a gate that blocks the pool off from all entry points,” Barrett said. “There were so many steps that we had in place that we failed to make sure they were set that night. I just want parents to make sure every day is like a ritual: to make sure everything is locked, make sure the alarm is on, make sure everything is done. Make sure you triple check because it will save a life.”
Barrett, who lost his 2-year-old daughter Arrayah in a drowning accident in 2023, has since become a passionate water safety advocate through the Arrayah Hope Foundation. His connection to the cause added urgency and inspiration to the day’s message.
Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4, and education can save lives.
“At Glazer Children’s Museum, we believe play is powerful, and in Florida, summer play often means water,” said Sarah Cole, president and CEO. “That’s why teaming up with Watermelon Swim is a natural fit. Together, we’re helping families stay safe while making the most of every splash-filled moment.”
The event was co-led by Micha Seal, CEO of Watermelon Swim, which teaches more than 7,000 students weekly across Tampa Bay. Seal and her team have embedded drowning prevention into their core mission, contributing nearly $1 million annually in scholarships, classroom programming and community outreach.
“Formal, continuous swim lessons reduce the risk of drowning by 88%. We are thrilled to partner with community leaders to spread our mission to grow a community full of safer swimmers,” Seal said. “It’s never too early – or too late – to learn how to swim. Everyone deserves access to life-saving water safety education, and we remain deeply committed to our mission of making that a reality.”
Throughout May, families visiting the Glazer Children’s Museum will encounter interactive exhibits, educational signage, themed books, and hands-on activities, all designed to teach kids and caregivers essential water safety skills in a fun and memorable way.
On the web: GlazerMuseum.org
