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Gofundme discussion-Children die playing with scuba gear left in pool - Jensen Beach, Florida

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CuzzA

Wetwork for Hire
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Location
The Gulf of Mexico
I agree not knowing the gas was a grave oversight, but I'm also not a fan of letting children use a pool unsupervised, regardless of their skill in the water.

Grab ass and horseplay happen as well as accidents, and I don't have faith in the ability of children to restrain themselves or respond to an emergency properly. I've seen it happen, so I guess that gives me a skewed bias. Granted I have been called a dick for bringing it to the attention of "responsible" adults having a good time, and they may be right.
20 seconds and it's dead silent. That's all it takes. Despite how Hollywood portrays drowning.

My FIL is a pediatrician and they do a kid drowning campaign every year. My kids get the pleasure of doing simulated acting photos. Drowning is the number one killer of kids in Florida.

As I alluded to earlier, at these kids age I don't helicopter them, I'll go inside and quickly grab a beverage, but I'm right back out doing a head count or shouting a name for a response.

At the end of the day though, in this case, it really was the gas as I'm sure if the tank was air we would not be here. I don't think we need to pile on anymore.

I will add this about the GoFundMe and a mod can edit my post if they feel it is necessary, but I think I can sum it up and we can leave it alone from here on out.

There are funeral expenses for not just one, but two kids, and most people do not buy life insurance for their kids, although it is a very wise and inexpensive thing to do.

Furthermore, there is the very real problem that the parents are not going to be able to work for some time. Put yourself in their shoes. I have not lost a child, but I have thought about it. Me having two kids, if I lost one, the other would be the only thing to keep me going. If I lost both, I'm not sure how I could keep going with my life. I certainly would be in no shape to work for who knows how long. I lost my dad unexpectedly and I was a wreck for a good year and it took two years to finally feel some sort of normalcy.

Helping people is what us Americans do. I have been a part of some GoFundMe campaigns and have been amazed by the generosity of random people helping someone in desperate need. This family is in desperate need. So think before you post, put yourself in their shoes, no matter the how of this accident, consider the devastating aftermath. That should help us with some perspective.
 
I know the Dudas family, and have met Zale and Saxon. I love the way that Zale was named after Zale Parry.

I remember chatting with Suzie when I established TEKDiveUSA back in 2014. We were discussing exhibition logistics and I mentioned the kids. I suggested that she bring her children along, because she would be working. Saxon I think was still a baby, and Suzie was breast feeding him. I knew that she needed a no hassle / economical solution. How else was she going to look after her kids? This after all was going to be their world one day.

***

At this moment, probably the best way you can support this family, is in a philanthropic manner. I am also fully aware just how the COVID-19 pandemic has hit me and my friends and colleagues in this industry. Hence if you are unable to donate anything, it's completely understandable. In the event that you can, all tax deductible donations made will go into a Memorial Fund to assist the family with expenses, including funeral, medical and legal bills. Thank you.

Help Suzie, organized by Dudas Siblings
 
all tax deductible donations made will go into a Memorial Fund to assist the family with expenses, including funeral, medical and legal bills.

Just to be clear, the tax deductible nature of your donation may vary depending on where you live. In the US, only donations to IRS 501(c)(3) certified charities are considered exempt from federal tax. The GoFundMe campaign for Suzi, according to both GoFundMe itself and upon inquiry to my tax accountant, does not qualify and would be considered a simple gift. The rules may be different where you live. This is intended in no way to diminish the need, and I encourage each to donate according to their ability but don't assume your donation will be tax deductible.
 

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