OMAHA, Neb. (AP) – The generosity of an Iowa native will mean swimming lessons for more than 2,000 Omaha-area kids. Omaha television station KETV reports that Charles Lakin of southwest Iowa helped organize and pay for the Charles E. Lakin Learn to Swim program.  Lakin says he made the donation after learning of the near-drowning of a child at a summer program in Omaha earlier this year.

All of the lessons are free. Lakin also provides a swimsuit and towel for those children in need. Omaha parent LaTia Miller says she would not be able to afford swimming lessons for her children and appreciates Lakin’s generosity.

The federal Centers for Disease Control reports an average of 10 U.S. deaths a day from drowning.