Emory & Henry College hosted an intercollegiate swim meet Saturday in honor of a Tri-Cities child who drowned earlier this year.
Levi Hughes drowned on June 10 while on vacation with his family after he fell into a swimming pool.
His mom, Nicole Hughes, jumped in but was unable to save him.
See also: Blountville toddler drowns in Alabama pool
Since her son’s death, Nicole and Jonathan Hughes have advocated for water safety through a program they created called “Water Guardians: Levi’s Legacy.” The organization distributes water guardian tags, designed to remind adults to keep an eye on children when they are near water. The tags are about the size of a credit card.
See also: Local mother starts drowning prevention initiative after death of three-year-old son
The college hoped to raise awareness for the program through Saturday’s swim meat. A ceremony honoring Levi was held and the college’s swim team presented Nicole and Jonathan Hughes with a framed photo signed by each members of the team. The swim teams also wore special swim caps adorned with the Levi’s Legacy logo.
Emory & Henry will also work with Levi’s Legacy to offer basic swimming instruction classes.
Related: Niswonger partners with Levi’s Legacy to promote water safety for children, parents
