Water Safety Activist, Joseph Vassallo, CBP Films PSA for Aquatics Center at the Joint Base

LAS VEGAS - June 12, 2013 - PRLog -- ( LAS VEGAS, NV)    Water Safety Activist Joe Vassallo, CBP (http://paragonpoolslv.com/),  president of Paragon Pools in Las Vegas was intrigued when he received an email from Jessica Ash, Aquatics Director for the Buckner Physical Fitness Aquatics Center at the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska.  

Ash had been researching on-line, ideas for her water safety program in conjunction with the National Water Safety Month, when she found Vassallo’s Float Like A Duck™ campaign. She contacted him to see if he could provide any help or ideas.

Launched in 2003, the Float Like A Duck water safety campaign educates the public on the importance of safety while celebrating the joys of water sports, with a focus on ENFORCING the ABC&D’s of water safety, and a BIG emphasis on A-adult supervision.  

“I was happy to assist for two reasons,” exclaims Vassallo, “I have great respect for those who serve our country.  Being a former Marine reservist, I understand the sacrifices military personnel and their families encounter during their service. And secondly, I am always eager to promote water safety.”

Typically when Vassallo receives inquiries relating to Float Like A Duck it entails an appearance request for him and his sidekick, Duckie the mascot to present water safety tips to kids and families at events, schools and church gatherings.  However, flying to Alaska was not an option.

Vassallo tasked his publicist, Mary Vail (a former military spouse) to see what they could do in addition to sending a care package with the 10th anniversary Float Like A Duck coloring books promoting the ABC&D’s of water safety.

Working with Ash who provided pictures of the facility, a list (long list) of pool rules and a description of the challenges her team of lifeguards encounter at the facility, Vassallo and Vail concluded a video PSA would be a way to personalize the message while also stressing safety.

With the assistance of the Heinrich YMCA in Las Vegas and lifeguard Nicolas Figueredo, the PSA touches on the key issues and safety points Ash needed addressing.

“We needed to create a message that was relevant to their specific situation and addressed issues unique to their aquatics center. We also wanted to let them know how much we appreciate their service to our country,” notes Vail.

"Joe and his team put together an awesome PSA for our facility,” states Ash. “They really care about community, water safety and incorporating fun to get parents and their children involved and educated on being safe in, on and around the water.”

The video is available on-line at http://youtu.be/9KsjHfKUlgg



---30---

About Water Safety Activist Joe Vassallo, CBP

Founder/President of Paragon Pools in Las Vegas, NV, a custom, in-grand residential and commercial pool construction company.  Vassallo is an active member of the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP), he currently serves on the National Executive Board of Directors, the National Builders Council and the local chapter.  He also works closely with manufacturers, law makers, municipalities and inspectors regarding the research and application of safety devices. Investing time and resources for the promotion of water safety, he has traveled to the nation’s Capital to lobby for effective safety practices.  Vassallo was named 2012 APSP CBP of the Year, in part for his efforts relating to water safety and community outreach.  For more information go to at   www.paragonpoolslv.com/floatlikeaduckwatersafety.htm and like his facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/Floatlikeaduck