Drownings Prompt Community Action In Augusta

Louis C. White is organizing the fundraiser and said there's a serious need for the pool, "Through out the years there's been a number of drownings in the area and to me that's just senseless."

Despite numerous signs telling them not to, White said kids come to White River to swim and cool-off and that it's just a part of summer.

"The White River is right across the road from me," White said, "And on a daily basis I can see the kids walking around with their shirts off."

Kids just wanting a way to beat the heat like Savannah Gibbs' 11 year old grandson Steven.

"Steven was a sweet outgoing kid," Gibbs said,"He was active real active."

Steven was a strong swimmer but he and a friend drowned in the White River in 2005.

"He got into one of those currents and couldn't get out," Gibbs said.

White's fundraiser Sunday is the very beginning of the effort.

An exploratory committee is being organized to look into possible places for the pool and the mayor and other Augusta city members are expected to also be there.

"I'm just a concerned citizen that sees a need," White said, "And hopefully I'll have enough energy to see it through. "

Steven's grandmother thankful for White taking the initiative to hopefully prevent future heartbreak.

"Maybe if they had a swimming pool here in Augusta," said Gibbs, "Maybe he might not have went to the river."

The fundraiser takes place Sunday at 2 PM at the Carver High School Home Economics Building.