Olympic gold medalists Cullen Jones and Rowdy Gaines kick off USA Swimming Foudation’s “Make a Splash” tour at the Empire State Building where New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg names May 16-18 as “Swimming Safety Days.”
The fifth annual USA Swimming Foundation‘s Make a Splash Tour presented by Phillips 66 kicked off at the Empire State Building’s world-famous 86th floor Observatory.
 From left: Olympic Gold Medalists Cullen Jones; Ric Sweeney, Phillips 66; Debbie Hesse, USA Swimming Foundation; Kristi DesJarlais, Phillips 66; Swimmimg Legend and Olympic Gold Medalist Rowdy Gaines. Terrence Jennings |
Marking the official kick off of the national Make a Splash Tour, New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg issued a proclamation naming May 16-18 as “Swimming Safety Days.”
Special guests in attendance were Olympic gold medalists and Make a Splash ambassadors Cullen Jones and Rowdy Gaines; Debbie Hesse, executive director of the USA Swimming Foundation; as well as Kristi DesJarlais, manager, brand and community investments at Phillips 66 and Ric Sweeney, adviser, sponsorships and brand at Phillips 66.
On Saturday, May 18, the Empire State Building’s iconic tower will shine blue in recognition of water safety education and awareness. Events throughout NYC on Saturday will include water safety information sessions and free swimming lessons at local partner pools, featuring Cullen Jones and other Olympic Swimmers and National team Athletes.
For a list of pool visits on May 18, visit makeasplash.org.
