Firms make a splash to help prevent drowning

It's the worst nightmare of every parent.

As a child plays in a pool, some distraction diverts the attention of a parent for what seems like only a second.

When the parent turns back around, the youngster lies at the bottom of a pool, a drowning victim.

The nightmare is all too real for Sandra Testo-Michaud. She dedicated the Katelyn Foundation to the memory of her 2-year-old daughter Katelyn, who died in a swimming pool accident on Jan. 27, 2004. Katelyn's uncle, Robert J. Testo III, helped launch the charitable venture.

Since 2006, the foundation has sponsored free swimming lessons for youngsters at various community pools, including the James P. Gills Family YMCA pool this summer.

But now benefactors might make it possible to install a pool at Testo-Michaud's home in the Trinity area where the nonprofit agency can conduct many more water safety courses.

"If all goes well permit-wise, we are hoping to get the pool in the ground next Wednesday," Testo-Michaud said. "There will be all kinds of volunteers here that day."

While becoming a certified swim instructor, Testo-Michaud encountered staff at the Pool Guyz and Viking Pools. They approached her about donating a pool to broaden the reach of the Katelyn Foundation.

"This has been in the works since January and it is all coming together next week!" Testo-Michaud exclaimed. "These companies are the same companies that install pools for (the TV show) 'Extreme Home Makeover' and are known for their generosity."

To learn more about the Pool Guys and Viking Pools visit their websites.

Soon the excitement became contagious as plumbers, electricians and fence contractors came on board as volunteers for the project.

More about the foundation is available on its website or by sending e-mails to info@katelynfoundation.org. Call Testo-Michaud at 727-237-1885.

"No parent should have to experience the heartbreaking loss of a child," the website introduction reads.