UPDATE: Due to an increased interest in our record-setting event, we've decided to extend the opportunity to buy a duck. Ducks will remain available until May 16th 2015, the rescheduled date for our record-setting event.
On May 16th, 2015 we are going to set the world record for most rubber ducks in a pool, ever. When you buy one of these rubber ducks, it will be placed in the pool and become a part of world history. After the event, we will mail you your duck and it's yours to keep forever and ever. All funds raised will go toward rebuilding our pool for future generations.
We need this pool.
Our community has come forward and helped to raise over $300,000 in the last six months, but the cost of rebuilding is astronomical. Due to it's age, the pipes are inaccessible, there is structural cracking at the bottom, and the heating system is virtually uncontrollable. Pool engineers have indicated that structural failure will occur in less than a year. In addition, the pool resides beneath our gymnasium, halfway underground and will require complex demolition and material removal as well as reinforcing our facility to maintain structural integrity.
It is an enormous undertaking.
We need your help!
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We’ve Been Saving Lives for over 60 Years.
Since the pool was built in 1954, over 20,000 children have been taught to swim, over 2,300 lifeguards have been trained and over 1,100 aquatics professionals have been employed. It is home to such activities like “Family Swim”, swim lessons, “Senior Swim and Rehabilitation,” a swim team, dedicated lap swimmers who visit daily, a kayak club and the American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification Program, which has trained half the lifeguards in Orange County, NY.
See more facts in our Pool Infographic (just click the image to the left)
The pool has been more than just a place to exercise. A close-knit community has formed around it where generations of friends and families can come to socialize, get support, learn, and spend time together.
If you're not convinced on why swimming is such an important activity, well we've got an infographic for that too!
SavetheLastLap
Because the pool is so important to our community and our facility, we put a lot of effort into creating a campaign to get the word out. We wanted to tell the story of the pool and those near and dear to it and express just how much it means to us. We invite you to get to know the story further by taking a guided tour through our interactive SavetheLastLap website.
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Take Home a Piece of World History.
From t-shirts and rubber ducks, to infographic towels and personalized tiles that will be built into the newly renovated pool, we really want to show our thanks for your generous contributions.
What you give and what you keep is up to you.
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So Much More Than A Record.
Let's help this campaign to succeed for the people that really matter; the families, the members, and the community of Middletown, NY who need the pool to stay happy and healthy.
Below are a couple of our member's stories surrounding the pool and the impact it's had on their everyday lives. We invite you to experience them for yourself and check out more stories on our website.
We hope you’re as passionate about this project as we are. Don't forget to use the sharing tools at the top of the page to spread the word and thank you so much for your time and help!
With much love and gratitude,
volum8 and the YMCA of Middletown.