AUGUSTA, Ga. (WFXG) - Summertime is almost here and you can feel it! Parents want to keep their kids safe while swimming, and a Georgia law now protects them while learning how to do it with a private instructor. This, as the Izzy Scott Foundation gears up for an event Saturday aimed at helping more people learn how to swim.

The Scott family lost 4-year-old Izzy in 2022 to drowning. Since then, they've been pushing for change to make sure Izzy's story is heard and to make sure your kids are safe. Some local parents say this law should’ve been put in place sooner.

With spring break over, families are looking ahead to summer.

"Anything with water we love to do in the summertime.” said Altomesha Peoples, mother. 

“Our plan for the summer is all about the lakes, and the beach, kayaking and having a good time,” said Jasmine Batson, mother.

However, parents know fun in the water can quickly turn into danger.

"I always keep my eye to her, make sure she's in a safe position - that she doesn't go far away from me." said another parent.

Nearly two years ago, 4-year-old Izzy Scott drowned during a swimming lesson in Burke County. The instructor, Lexie Tenhuisen, was arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter.

"I mean Izzy, God, that was home! That happened here. So, when I look at that it’s sad and my heart goes out to his parents. That could be my kid.” said Peoples.  

"I think it’s something we should have incorporated a long time ago,” said Peoples.

Altomesha Peoples has twin boys. She put them in swimming lessons at 6-months-old.

"All of their swim shorts are very bright. Nothing dark, just so I can point them out in case something happens I know like, that’s my kid.” said Peoples.

Izzy's Law puts standards in place for private swim instructors, like CPR certification and action plan requirements - something Peoples believes should be a no brainer.

"When you look at a daycare facility, they make sure all of them are CPR certified. So it’s kind of, in a sense for me, it’s kind of something like that because you have kids in your hands.” said Peoples.

Now, the Izzy Scott Foundation wants to help more people learn how to swim to ensure a fun activity stays that way. The family is teaming up with Augusta's Salvation Army Kroc Center to offer swim lessons to the community Saturday, April 20. The free event starts at 9 a.m.

"I can’t imagine what that family is going through, let alone losing my kids," said Batson. 

"You want them to go and have fun and you want them to go and do those things, but let’s also do the precautions.” said Peoples.

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