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Tragedy inspires Union County family to save lives, prevent drowning

A Union County family who faced a tragedy six years ago is vowing to save kids' lives, one swim lesson at a time.

News 12 Staff

Jul 28, 2019, 2:37 AM

Updated 1,963 days ago

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A Union County family who faced a tragedy six years ago is vowing to save kids' lives, one swim lesson at a time.
Rashid Shabazz died in a drowning accident on July 24, 2013 in the family’s pool in Plainfield. Rashid's mother Imani, a nurse, desperately tried to resuscitate her only child.
"I just don't want another parent or another family to have to go through what I went through," she told News 12.
On Saturday, the family hosted their sixth annual all-day swim clinic. More than 300 children and their parents received free swimming lessons at Plainfield’s public pools.
The event received support from local leaders, dozens of volunteer life guards and the local YMCA, which donated life vests and other safety gear.
The family is hoping to receive grants from both state and local officials to help keep the free program going.