ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — Akwaaba QC began its "Do Not Swim" campaign on Saturday morning as a response to the death of 10-year-old John Moo. John was among four children who went swimming in Lake Potter this past June when he accidentally drowned. The other three children survived.
Recently, the nonprofit installed eight new signs throughout the park with the phrase "Do not swim/Dangerous current" written in 13 languages, including French, Spanish, English, Dari, Karen, Ewe, Lingala, Kirundi, Burmese, Swahili, Pashto, Arabic and Vietnamese. Community navigators recommend each of the languages, which reflect those predominately spoken in the Quad Cities.
The nonprofit's goal is to share important public safety messages with lake visitors whose dominant language isn't English, in hopes of avoiding another tragedy. Akwaaba President Nana Ouro-Agoro said the signs are appreciated by diverse communities, increasing local representation.
"You know, we have people stopping by the signs to read [the signs]," Ouro-Agoro said. "And they were reading that in their own language. [A few of them] were from Asia, so [it's important they receive this message]."
Kodjovi Zidome and his wife, Rosemary, brought their four-year-old girl, Roots, to the campaigning. The two used the event as an opportunity to remind parents how important it is to keep an eye on their little ones.
"My goal is to bring awareness in the community, especially to parents, so this won't happen anymore," Zidome said in his native language while Ouro-Agoro translated.
Ouro-Agoro says Akwaaba QC will continue working with the Rock Island Parks and Recreation Department to install more safety equipment.