Our Global Ambassador Program is designed for volunteers who have a desire to join our global network and help raise awareness at local levels about Shallow Water Blackout (Hypoxic Blackout).

Why do we need Ambassadors?
Ambassadors understand the mission and purpose of Shallow Water Blackout Prevention and help connect people with our organization. Ambassadors help others see the need to create awareness by reaching out to their local communities and related entities with information about SWB and how to prevent it.

Some Ways Ambassadors Help:

  • Participating in local events that provide opportunities to share information about the organization

  • Hosting virtual gatherings to educate the local community or related organizations. Examples: Swimming clubs, YMCA clubs, Free Diving enthusiasts’ groups, local community affairs departments, high school swimming clubs etc.

  • Identifying local organizations and places to distribute educational materials

  • Utilizing their own social media presence and networks to share our mission

  • Hosting fundraisers (virtual and/or in person)

  • Hosting viewing parties of our short film “Don’t Hold Your Breath”, coming in Spring 2022

Who can be an Ambassador?
Anyone who wishes to spread the word and raise awareness about the dangers of Shallow Water Blackout/Hypoxic Blackout.

Will I be given resources?
YES! Our team will send you a kit with everything you’ll need to get started.
*We will provide you with print and promotional items, but cannot provide a booth/table set up at this time. Currently shipping to US states only.

Where do I apply?
Click here to complete an interest form.


Ambassadors

(Past and Present)

 


Kara Gibler
(Kailua, Hawaii)

Aloha, my name is Kara and I’m owner/founder of Moku Swim Academy in Hawaii. Our academy does not focus only on swim lessons, but education on water safety and raising awareness.

Our goal is to educate, skill up and create a water safe community on our islands. Mahalo!

Jessica McQueen
(British Columbia, Canada)

My name is Jess, and I’ve been a lifeguard and swim instructor for over five years. I am passionate about water safety and love teaching advanced aquatic courses. I wasn’t aware of underwater hypoxic blackout (UHB) until a few years ago, and since then have worked hard to educate people about what UHB is and how dangerous it can be. I hope to continue bringing awareness to prevent avoidable deaths and injuries caused by UHB.

 

Leslie Ruybal, MD
(Loveland, CO)

In January 2023, we lost our 15 year old nephew, Will, to underwater hypoxic blackout. He was a fish; he grew up in the water, he was a strong swimmer, and he was also competitive. He tried to swim laps without coming up for air, and he pushed himself too far. We didn’t know. We didn’t know this was a thing. I have trained as a Pediatrician and never learned about this. I want to bring awareness and education to Underwater Hypoxic Blackout, so that no family experiences the deep grief we have by losing someone they love. UHB is 100% preventable. If only we’d known, our Will would still be here. 

 
 

Isabella Del Castillo
(Santa Monica, CA)

Isabella is currently a senior honor student at Santa Monica High School, in Santa Monica, California.  Isabella has maintained a love of the water since she began taking swimming lessons as a young child. Growing up in the beach cities of Ventura and San Diego, CA, she developed a respect for water safety when she participated in the Ventura Junior Guard Program. 

Isabella swam breaststroke for the East Lake High School school swim team and represented her team in the Mesa League District finals. Most recently, Isabella combined her two passions: helping special needs children and teaching swimming and water safety. She is currently volunteering for Swim with Heart, a non-profit organization that teaches children of all abilities to break through physical, mental, and emotional barriers to learn how to swim and maintain a “yes you can” attitude inside and outside of the pool. Additionally, she is taking surf lessons and enjoying her deep connection with the ocean and marine life.

Isabella learned about Underwater Hypoxic Blackout Prevention from her college counselor who lost a son to this silent killer. She was excited to have the opportunity as a UHBP Ambassador to save lives by spreading awareness. Isabella is looking forward to making her community safer by educating the public, particularly those involved in aquatic activities, about the dangers of Underwater Hypoxic Blackout.

Jeevan Dosanjh
(Walnut Creek, CA)

Jeevan Dosanjh learned to swim as a young child and has loved water ever since. His skill as a swimmer gave him confidence that made him believe he would always be safe in the water. He had never heard of shallow water blackout until he experienced it and technically died from it himself. 

Read more about his story here.

After surviving underwater hypoxic blackout, he decided that his gift of a second chance at life came with a responsibility of preventing others from becoming victims. Jeevan did extensive research to learn about this silent killer. In particular, he learned that hyperventilation suppresses the natural instinct to breathe which causes the person to pass out from low oxygen levels. 

In the course of telling people his story, Jeevan has found that very few people have ever heard of underwater hypoxic blackout. He is surprised that despite years of swimming lessons, he was never taught that he should not play breath-holding games in the water. 

He is determined to change all this. He reaches out to local pools, swim clubs, and youth groups, putting up educational flyers and holding teaching sessions to educate swim teachers, parents, and children about the signs and risks of UHB. He vows to continue this pursuit for the duration of this “bonus” life he has been given, and he hopes to one day see a world where everyone knows how to prevent underwater hypoxic blackout.

 
 
 

Haileigh Hoeppner
(Newport Beach, CA)

“Being a local in Newport Beach, the water is a key part of every child, teen, and adults life. At a young age, my parents made sure that I was both safe and comfortable around water. My hopes with this foundation is to be able to inform and protect my community about the dangers that come with enjoying the water. Throughout my life I’ve been constantly competing in water sports. Starting with the Newport Beach Junior Life Guard program from the ages of 9-13. Junior Life Guards has taught me everything I know about water safety, and has provided me with my love for being in the water. My passion for the water has carried on through surfing with my parents and friends. Currently I competitively row with Newport SeaBase Rowing. Besides going to the beach and rowing, I spend my free time cooking. Cooking has allowed me to have a creative outlet that can be experienced by 4 out of the 5 senses. Cooking is an art form that you can view, touch, taste, and smell. After learning about SWBP I have made it my goal to inform all of my friends, family, and loved ones about the dangers of the water.  I am excited to be apart of the shallow water blackout prevention community! “

 
 
 

Sarah Wiseman
(Scotland, UK)

“Having taught swimming to swimmers of all abilities for nearly 20 years, I am really passionate about water safety and drowning prevention. In the last 5 years I began tutoring new swimming teachers and open water coaches and as part of their learning we cover a variety of information including topics covering shallow water blackout prevention. Raising awareness on this topic is a passion of mine and having the ability to support new teachers and coaches with the skills and information they need. Tutoring, teaching, and coaching are not only my passions, but defining aspects of my life.”

 
 

Nikki Scarnati
(Spring Hill, FL)

“I am a Florida native and mom of 2. Florida has very high drowning statistics, so understanding the importance of water safety is imperative. Once I became a mom, I saw it much more personally. I became a Certified ISR Instructor in March 2021 and I now teach and educate my community the importance of water safety. I utilize local non profit organizations to assist families in my area receive high quality swim lessons. I also create social media content on water safety, drowning prevention, and safety in lessons to allow parents all over the world the information on water safety to change drowning statistics. I will now be able to include Underwater Hypoxic Blackout Prevention to that list!”

 
 
 

Caitlin MacDougald
(Sacramento, CA)

Caitlin MacDougald is a lifelong lover of the water. She began swimming competitively at age 5, and now has been working in aquatics for almost 20 years. Caitlin is a certified Infant Swimming Resource instructor and owner of East Sac ISR, which helps families protect against infant and toddler drowning dangers by advocating for water safety through drowning prevention strategies, survival swim lessons and educational resources. Caitin takes an all inclusive approach to water safety and aims to change the way that families think about, prioritize, and implement year round water safety practices. 

 
 

Irelyn Quick
(Newport Beach, CA)

Irelyn Quick is 15 years old and was born and raised in Newport Beach, California. She is currently a sophomore at Corona Del Mar High School, and spends most of her time in and around the water. Her town is known for its beaches and water activities, and enjoys spending most of her time at the beach with friends and family. Ever since Irelyn learned water safety and survival swimming skills at three months old, she’s had a love for the water.

Participating in the Newport Beach Junior Lifeguards program taught Irelyn so many important and valuable lessons about the water, aquatic skills, beach environment safety, first aid and lifesaving methods. Irelyn spends lots of time in pools as she is a current member on the water polo and swim team at Corona Del Mar High School.

Irelyn has devoted so much time learning water safety through many activities, and after spending most of her time around water she was shocked to learn about Shallow Water Blackout from a friend and mentor who lost her son to this tragedy.  Realizing how much she is around the water, and how Shallow Water Blackout could effect her or any of her friends at any time led Irelyn to want to raise and help spread awareness. Irelyn hopes to become a leader in the community and help create a change.

 
 

Maile Lyle
(Corona Del Mar, CA)

Maile Lyle is currently a sophomore attending Corona Del Mar High School. She was born and raised in Newport Beach, California and has spent her whole life exploring local and faraway beaches, lakes and pools; playing water sports and enjoying the beautiful outdoors with friends and family.

Maile is a Hawaiian name; given to Maile to celebrate her special part-Hawaiian ancestry. Her family visits their extended family in Hawaii often which always means discovering prominent sandy beaches, snorkeling, and body surfing with cousins.

Maile started participating in the Junior Lifeguards program at the age of 9 at Laguna and then Newport Beach, where for four summers, Maile learned beach and water safety protocols. This instilled a love in Maile for the beach!

After recently learning about Shallow Water Blackout tragedies, Maile had a natural connection to this important cause and wishes to generate change in her community by spreading awareness about the dangers of simply holding your breath. She is looking forward to becoming an effective messenger and leader for the Shallow Water Blackout Prevention organization.

 

Jeannine Zoch
(Orange, California)

Jeannine Zoch is a 16-year old honor student at Orange Lutheran High School in the city of Orange, California. Although Jeannine was born in Columbia, Maryland, she moved to California when she was three years old. Jeannine immediately fell in love with her beach community.

Jeannine started taking swimming lessons when she was just six months old. Over the years, through hard work and dedication, she developed into a competitive swimmer. She trained and competed with the So Cal Aquatics Swim club and participated in the Huntington State Junior Lifeguard program. Recently, Jeannine was employed by the City of Orange as a Life Guard/Swim Instructor. To qualify for this position, she earned her CPR, First Aid and Water Safety Instructor certifications.

Jeannine also enjoys wake boarding and wake surfing. She learned of Shallow Water Blackout from her college counselor who lost her son to this silent killer. She was surprised to discover how easy it is for recreational and skilled swimmers, divers and water polo players of all ages to succumb to Shallow Water Blackout. Since finding out about SWBP, Jeannine has worked to spread awareness to other life guards and her school and community, in order to prevent another life lost to Shallow Water Blackout. She looks forward to meeting and becoming friends with SWBP Ambassadors from around the country so that they can collaborate and share ideas in order to prevent more tragic drownings from occurring.

 

Gabrielle Watson (Annapolis, Maryland)

Gabrielle is the sister of survivor Chandler Watson. She and her family have worked tirelessly to raise awareness about SWB and were recently featured in a short film at the Annapolis Film Festival entitled “Don’t Hold Your Breath” - a film in which Chandler’s survival story is highlighted and SWB is explained. She is thrilled to join her brother and sister-in-law as an ambassador to continue raising awareness. Welcome, Gabrielle!

 

Michelle, Sage, and Adelaide Brislen.
(San Clemente, CA)

On May 26, 2011, Drew Brislen lost his life to Shallow Water Blackout off the coast of Laguna Beach, CA. His wife, Michelle, and daughters, Sage and Adelaide are now ambassadors working to spread the word about the phenomena of SWB. Starting the summer of Drew’s passing, Michelle began giving presentations to the San Clemente city and California state junior lifeguards and has continued to do so for the past 10 years. She has extended her presentations to swim clubs, school district coaches and employees, her own marine science students, the local sea scout troop, and even spoke at school board meetings that ultimately lead to signage at all Capistrano Unified School District pools. Over the past 10 years, Sage and Adelaide have been learning the ropes from their mom and have participated in almost every presentation in some way or another. Sage has presented in her classroom and plans to take over presentations for the sea scouts. Addie is also spreading the word about SWBP in less formal ways, such as through youth groups and local community members.

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Chandler and Erin Watson
(Annapolis, MD)

“Chandler and I met at Indiana University in 2013 where Chandler was playing football. We got married in June 2019 and now live in Annapolis, MD. Chandler works in medical device sales while I work in senior living. We love spending time with our family and friends, being active, and eating ice cream.

We had never heard of shallow water blackout until just recently. After celebrating our one year wedding anniversary, we were on a family vacation with Chandler’s parents and siblings. We were enjoying the day at the pool when Chandler experienced shallow water blackout.
Please read the full story here.

After the incident, we wanted to get involved with Shallow Water Blackout Prevention so we decided to be ambassadors. As ambassadors, we hope to spread the word about this uncommon, unknown phenomenon. We want people to not only know of shallow water blackout, but to understand how serious it is and that it CAN be prevented.”

Welcome Watson Family, we are so thankful for your story and support!

 
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Nicholas Smith

Miami, Fla

Nick lives in Miami, FL, having relocated from England after marrying a native Floridian in Key West in 2018. He is an Economics graduate and served in the Royal Naval Reserves for seven years through which he became a qualified SCUBA diver, diving primarily off the Ascension Island in the mid-Atlantic. While awaiting his US work authorization, Nick volunteered with Third Wave Volunteers and the City of Miami to deliver donations to the Bahamas following the Hurricane Dorian disaster. He was appointed as warehouse manager and was responsible for the shipment of 250,000 lbs of donations from the general public of Miami to Grand Bahama and the Abacos. He now works in Business Development for a global payments company in Miami and spends his spare time golfing, playing guitar, spending time with his pets and volunteering.

Nick became involved in Shallow Water Blackout Prevention after his high school friend from England tragically died while swimming unsupervised in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Nick is committed to expanding the reach of Shallow Water Blackout Prevention to educate individuals and prevent avoidable tragedies. He will be working with Amanda Balius and Layla Alo Caballero,our other Ambassadors from the Miami area to create the Miami Chapter of Shallow Water Blackout Prevention.

 
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Jackie De Leon

Jackie De Leon is 16 years old and was born in NYC but moved to California when she was four-years-old. Jackie immediately fell in love with her new beach community. She signed up for swim lessons shortly after her arrival and in no time was invited to join the neighborhood swim team. When Jackie was in middle school, she participated in the local Junior Lifeguard Program and later became CPR certified. 

Jackie also enjoys surfing and has sailed on the lakes in the high Sierras. Currently, she is a member of a rowing team. Jackie is aware of water safety because of her involvement in swimming, sailing, surfing, and rowing. However, she just learned of Shallow Water Blackout from a friend who lost her son to this silent killer. She was surprised to discover how easy it is for recreational and skilled swimmers, divers and water polo players of all ages to succumb to Shallow Water Blackout. What was most surprising to Jackie is that even elite-level athletes die from this phenomenon. She wanted to spread awareness in her community to prevent another life lost to Shallow Water Blackout.  

 

Colton Quick

Colton Quick is 15 years old and was born and raised in Newport Beach, California, a coastal town known for its great surfing, sandy beaches and aquatic sports activities.  Colton has spent most of his life in and around the water. He began swimming lessons at three months old to learn water safety and survival swimming skills and his love for the water grew from there.  

Colton has participated in the Newport Beach Junior Guards program learning valuable aquatic skills, beach environment safety, first aid and lifesaving methods.  He is scuba certified and has earned his international sailing license. Currently a sophomore at Corona Del Mar High School, Colton is a member on the water polo and swim team.

Having devoted so much time learning water safety through out these activities, he was shocked to learn about shallow water blackout from a friend and mentor who lost her son to this tragedy.  Realizing that he or any of his friends could succumb to shallow water blackout at any time he decided to raise awareness about it at his high school and through his community.

 

Nicole Harvey

Nicole Harvey is a seventeen-year-old competitive swimmer who has grown up in Newport Beach, California, surrounded by the water. She is currently completing her senior year as an honor student at Sage Hill School in Newport Coast. She began swimming for her neighborhood swim team when she was four years old and has continued to swim competitively ever since then. Nicole is also the captain of her high school swim team. Not only does she swim in the pool, Nicole has also spent most of her summers participating in Junior Lifeguard programs on the Balboa Peninsula and she has even become lifeguard certified. She has also worked as a swim coach under Kaitlin Sandeno to teach five-year-old children the beginnings of stroke technique. Other than swimming, Nicole can be found painting, reading, or studying—usually on the beach.

Nicole was educated about the dangers of Shallow Water Blackout by her family friend, Karen Curreri, as she told Nicole the story of how she lost her son, Staff SGT. Joseph F. Curreri, to this tragic event. Joe was a highly skilled swimmer and combat diver. As a competitive swimmer, who sometimes is asked to hold her breath during lung capacity swim sets, Nicole understands how this phenomenon could affect her, as well as other accomplished swimmers. She decided to join the Shallow Water Blackout family in order to increase awareness in the beach community where she lives.

 

Amanda Marshall

Amanda Marshall is the oldest of three children and grew up in coastal Southern California.  Having lived in a warm climate most of her life, much of her time was spent outdoors either at the beach or at pool parties or participating on swim teams.  Swimming and understanding water safety was a big part of her childhood. Amanda’s first year on a recreational swim team was at age 8 on the Irvine Swim League (ISL) and she earned the award for “Most Improved Swimmer.” Since then, swimming has continued to be her favorite sport. This year Amanda is a high school senior at Sage Hill and it will be her third year competing on Sage Hill’s girls’ varsity swim team.   During the summer of 2019, Amanda was employed by the City of Irvine as a lifeguard at the world renowned William Woollett Jr. Aquatics Center. Woollett serves as a venue for local, regional and national competitive events and features two 50 meter pools and a 25 yard instruction pool.  Prior to her employment, Amanda earned the American Red Cross Certificate of Completion on 6/8/19 in the following areas: Asthma Inhaler Training, Epinephrine Auto-Injector Training, Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED,  Administering Emergency Oxygen, Bloodborne Pathogens Training, First Aid for Public Safety Personnel (Title 22) 23 hour Initial Training.  Amanda enjoys helping people, especially elderly and young children.  During her free time, she sings and plays piano at nursing homes in her community, both solo and with her a capella group that she co-leads, called The Sweet Adelines.  She also volunteers in church teaching young kids crafts during vacation bible school and leading youth music groups. Amanda first learned about the dangers of Shallow Water Blackout by her family friend, Karen Curreri who lost her son, Staff SGT. Joseph F. Curreri, to this tragic event. Joe was a highly skilled swimmer and combat diver. Amanda is very aware of the dangers of Shallow Water Blackout and is eager to help spread awareness and prevention of it in her community.

 
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Benjy Jackson

Benjy lives in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and will turn sixteen in September. During a meeting with Benjy and his parents and grandparents, who were deeply involved in attempting to revive our Executive Director’s son after a Shallow Water Blackout, he asked if he could become involved with our cause. This became the impetus for creating the Ambassador Program. As part of his Community Service requirement for High School graduation Benjy will be distributing our informational / educational materials to local SCUBA and Dive Shops and other water-related entities within his community. He will also be making his contacts aware of our organization. Raising awareness about SWB will be his mission. Fort Lauderdale, located in Broward county ranks number one in the US for unintentional drownings where SWB is often associated.

Benjy enjoys fishing with his father, spending the summers with his grandparents in the Bahamas and boating; he received his Boaters License when he was fourteen. He loves music, plays the drums and according to his mother he just cannot get enough of being outside. We look forward to working with Benjy.


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Amanda Balius

(Amanda and Papa)

"As I sit and begin to write about myself, I cannot help but to think of our beloved Papa. Our family raised nine cousins as if we were nine brothers and sisters, an unbreakable bond which makes his absence unbearable and at times hard to breath. 

In the summer of July 2016, Ruben "Papa" was spearfishing when he had a free diving accident as the result of Shallow Water Blackout. I, nor most of the members in my family had no idea what SWB was, all we knew was that our Papa passed away doing what he loved most. Googling SWB to get a better understanding, I came across the prevention website where I was privileged to meet Dean Haller. I could not imagine in what state of mind I would be in if it had not been for the constant love and support he has shown and given to our family. Unfortunately, the deaths of our loved ones brought us together but it has also taught us that through the toughest storms eventually we will see sunlight. 

As a preschool teacher, I have dedicated my life to helping others raise their children. Instill in them the techniques needed to survive in this world, it came natural when I also felt that I needed and wanted to be part of the swb organization. I would never want anyone to stop from doing what they love, papa would never approve. But instead spread awareness, comfort families and continue to tell Papa's story because it deserves to be told. He never took a single day for granted, he was 29 years young and I think he lived more in such a short time then any of us will ever if we make it that far. I have high hopes that someone will/has come across papa's story and thinks twice or at least has a better understanding of the caution you should always have when free diving. He always looked out for everyone and always shared info and safety tips when it came to all the insane adventures he went on. As tragic as his death is and will forever be, it's a tough lesson that we all have to learn that even the best, most cautious, selfless souls can meet their demise, no matter what. No family should ever have to say farewell to someone that still had so much to live for and so much promise in his future. I'd like to think he's one of the great ones that was chosen to leave his life although unfinished but fully fulfilled to the eternal paradise which for him would be reggae music, unlimited coronas, and fishing all day long. 

To all the free divers and swimmers out there and their families, always take Papa with you as a constant reminder that every breath is worth coming up
for." -Amanda Balius


Reagan LaMear

Editor’s Note: On May 5, 2017, we shared a story on our Blog written by Teresa LaMear, the mother of a Shallow Water Blackout survivor, Reagan LaMear.  Teresa’s beautifully written story had a happier ending than many Shallow Water Blackout incidents thanks to Reagan’s best friend, Clayton, whose quick thinking, and heroic actions saved Reagan’s life.  Click here to read Teresa’s full story.

Because of Reagan’s experience he has asked to become a Shallow Water Blackout Ambassador and we are honored to have him help us raise awareness.

Reagan is 13 and going into 8th grade at St Andrews Catholic School in Cape Coral, FL. He enjoys playing soccer and basketball for his school. He has played many years of baseball and tennis also, and tying golf this summer.  Reagan spends a lot of time boating with his family and fishing with friends. He has a wide range of knowledge and great passion for the Ancient Era- specifically Greece and Rome.  He takes piano and guitar lessons and recently got his first electric guitar for his birthday.


Darren Harrity

Born and raised in South Florida. Darren spent the majority of his life near the water. His father , Daniel Harrity, was a star swimmer in high school and trained Darren to swim at a young age. His mother's sister, Karen Baker, also taught Darren to surf before he could even ride a bike. Once in high school Darren joined the year round swim and water polo teams in his hometown. During his senior year at Oviedo High School he was awarded All American honors in water polo. He went on to swim for a year of college for Florida Atlantic University. 

In his second year of school he started to think about joining the Coast Guard. It was always on his mind as a career choice after seeing Rescue Swimmers being hoisted down to the roof tops during hurricane Katrina. One afternoon while training at his colleges Olympic size swimming pool, Darren experienced shallow water blackout while doing 50 meter under-waters. According to the police report he was laying at the bottom of the pool when a master swimmer who was in the lane next to him realized something was wrong and pulled Darren out. The lifeguard came over and felt no pulse, and gave two cycles of CPR. They were then able to feel a weak pulse. The paramedics rushed him to the hospital where they kept him in an induced coma for 5 days. Darren's lungs were full of water and they did multiple brain scans looking for any kind of brain damage since it was estimated he was submerged for over 4 minutes. The scans came back negative and he was taken out from his induced coma and released 5 days later. 

After a year of recovery he finally took the step and joined the Coast Guard in the hopes of becoming a Aviation Survival Technician aka helicopter rescue swimmer.  Darren says it was somewhat of an internal battle to get right back in the pool and do exactly what caused his SWB in order to accomplish his dream. However, because of the SWB experience He felt he had more of a connection and respect for the water and preached this respect to his fellow swimming and spearfishing buddies. To never do these "water confidence" drills alone and without letting a lifeguard or instructor know what their intentions were. He continues to tell young men and women who come with questions on how to train to become an AST, what SWB is and the dangers it poses to them. Darren is now a Second Class AST with 10 years in the CG and currently stationed in North Carolina. 

Darren's wife, Chelsey, is the head coach at their local YMCA. Darren says that she is his biggest supporter and motivation to continue helping people in and out of the water. 


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Alexandra
“Alex” Beran

I am Alexandra Beran, a sophomore at the University of Richmond and a diver on the varsity Swim and Dive Team. I am also participating in the Army ROTC Program. I lost a friend to shallow water blackout this past summer and I am a lifeguard and aware of shallow water blackouts, but I still didn't realize how grave the consequences of prolonged breath-holding can be even with breath-control training for the military and swim teams. I want to raise awareness and educate others to prevent these senseless deaths. Many people question how an adult who knows how to swim can drown. Consequently, I want to help those who lost loved ones from having to explain over and over how drowning after a shallow water blackout occurs by educating as many people as I can. Most people do not understand that the victim lost consciousness and then the body forced a breath, which caused the drowning. Anybody who goes into the water should be aware of shallow water blackouts and what causes one and how to prevent one for their own safety, the safety of others, and understanding of those who lost loved ones.   

 

Layla Caballero

Layla, Daniel, and Layla's youngest son Ralph

Layla, Daniel, and Layla's youngest son Ralph

I am from Puerto Rico and the youngest of four siblings.  I was fortunate to enjoy a very active and privileged life contrary to my other siblings who endured the challenges of leaving communist Cuba at young age. After more than 18 years in exile from Cuba, my parents were finally enjoying the American dream of possibilities and prosperity.  They helped me pursue an education abroad here in the United States, and now I enjoy a career in communications. Given my talents in the communications field, I feet it is my obligation to help others to learn about Shallow Water Blackout, specially among Latino families. 

Our family lost my nephew, Eduardo Jose, at the young age of 19. He drowned in my home's backyard pool as he was playing water games holding his breath and challenging my son Daniel who at the time was only 7. Ironically, Eduardo Jose was actually taking care of my son Daniel, when this terrible accident happened. 

Now 18 years later, after losing my sister Lourdes Alo ( Eduardo's mother) to lung disease, I decided to join the Shallow Water Blackout prevention organization to help generate awareness, and do this on behalf of my family. I live in Miami Lakes, FL and will be raising awareness in the surrounding communities and helping Shallow Water Blackout Prevention include content in Spanish. 

Daniel, who is a musician now, wrote this song about drowning in memory of Eduardo. The name of the song is "Lungs Filled with Water". 

http://houseofi.bandcamp.com/track/lungs-filled-with-water


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Olivia Jackson

Olivia Jackson will be joining her brother, Benjy Jackson, as co-ambassador in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  She along with her family witnessed attempts to retrieve and revive our Executive Director’s son after a shallow water blackout.

Olivia is a high school student at American Heritage in Plantation Florida. She enjoys time with her friends and family living the Florida lifestyle. Her weekends are spent outdoors; boating, tubing and fishing.  Her summers are spent in the Bahamas and at camp in Northern Canada where she is working on her Red Cross water certification.

We welcome Olivia to our team of national Ambassadors and sincerely appreciate their efforts to educate and raise awareness about Shallow Water Blackout and how to prevent it.  You are all saving lives