Granger Smith’s Wife Amber Wants You to Know These Drowning Prevention Tips
Amber Smith is turning tragedy into action.
The wife of country star Granger Smith made an important statement via Instagram on Friday (Aug. 16) — a heartfelt, informative post about practicing pool safety with children.
The couple has been very open with fans in the wake of the tragic death of their 3-year-old son, River in a drowning accident at their home in Texas in June. Amber admits that they haven't spoken much on the topic of drowning much since the accident, choosing to focus on sharing love and kindness with others and living life to the fullest.
But her heart is pulling her to speak now, she says.
Amber, an actress and mother of three, admits that she wasn't educated on drowning statistics prior to River's death, but feels compelled to share with fans the statistics she has learned since — like that drowning is the top cause of death in children ages 1-4, and that boys have a higher drowning rate than little girls.
Alongside the statistics, she provides useful tips to parents to help prevent drownings, recommending infant survival classes, four-sided pool gates with multiple locks, alarm systems and learning CPR.
But most importantly, she says: "Remember that even with preparation, the unthinkable can happen. Mostly, love your children like crazy. Be present with them. You never know what life will bring your way. This can happen to ANYONE - to good, loving, attentive parents. We thought we were prepared with lessons, pool gates and locks but it wasn’t enough."
"Thank you all for your continued prayers, love and support during this time. I hope we can help at least one person with this info."
Since River's passing in June, the family's YouTube show, The Smiths, has followed their journey of healing. A recent episode reveals that they have moved into a new house, leaving the home where River drowned behind. The episode shows them packing up their belongings with daughter London and eldest son, Lincoln. Amber also shared a post on Thursday (Aug. 15) of the two older kids showing off their backpacks as they headed off to their first day of school.
The Smiths have created a commemorative T-shirt in River's memory, with proceeds going to Dell Children's Medical Center in Austin, Texas, where he was treated after the accident. They have already raised more than $200,000 for the hospital and continue to ask for donations in his name. Help kids here.
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