Olympic Medalist Looks To Save Lives, Dispel Fears of Swimming

Cullen Jones is a record holding swimmer and a dedicated advocate for Make A Splash.

Don't worry about getting your hair wet or your fear of drowning, Cullen Jones says there's nothing to it but to do it. He's talking about swimming. The record holding swimmer has won a gold medal and two silver medals, in addition to his own individual medal, but has still made time to give back to many children and parents that have a fear of swimming. Teaming up with 'Make A Splash,' an anti-drowning initiative from The USA Swimming Team, Jones has been working to teach children and parents (particularly African American and Latino parents) the many benefits of learning how to swim. 

Jones knows first hand of the fear many people have when it comes to swimming; when he was a child, he nearly drowned. But instead of walking away from the experience, his mother used the near-death situation as motivation for him to learn how to swim. This is the same motivation Jones is looking to instill in children all around the country. In 2012, he toured 9 cities with 'Make A Splash' while still competing in the 2012 London Olympics. He doesn't seem to be stopping in 2013 either. As long as "kids are unfortunately out there drowning," he has a platform, and they are willing to listen, he says he's down for the cause. (NewsOne)

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