Governor's Office Presents 2016 Points of Light Award to Joseph M. Vassallo, CBP, APSP Fellow, for Water Safety Program

LAS VEGAS - Oct. 13, 2016 - PRLog -- Water Safety Activist Joseph M. Vassallo, CBP, APSP Fellow, was presented with the 2016 Nevada Governor's Points of Light Award for his long-running "Float Like A Duck" water safety public service campaign.

Nevada Volunteers, the Governor's Commission on Service, held the awards ceremony on September 29, 2016 in Las Vegas honoring all twenty finalists in 7 categories: Northern Nevada Individual; Southern Nevada Individual; Rural Nevada Individual; Nonprofit and Community Organization Volunteer Program; Corporate Volunteer Program; Volunteer Program Serving Veterans and Volunteer Manager. Keynote speaker Lieutenant Governor Mark Hutchison announced the winners.

Vassallo was presented the "highest honor bestowed on a volunteer in Nevada", in the category of Individual Volunteer: Southern Nevada.

"Water safety is an issue I feel very strongly about. The program continues to grow and reach those most vulnerable thanks to the combined efforts of our devoted partners: the Heinrich YMCA, area first responders, the City and County, UMC Children's Hospital, KTNV, KVVU, Beasley Broadcasting, Danny Romero and many others," states Joseph Vassallo, President of Paragon Pools. "Receiving this recognition from the Governor's office is truly an honor. I share this award with everyone connected with the program."

About The Governor's Points of Light Awards

The Governor's Points of Light Awards honor individuals, community-based organizations and businesses for their contribution to communities through volunteer service. Award recipients are selected by a panel of leaders in business, government, and nonprofits from across the state based on criteria showing how their volunteerism exemplifies achievement, need, innovation, mobilization and endurance.

About Float Like A Duck™

Established in 2003, Float Like A Duck is a public service water safety initiative whose mission is: Educating the public on the importance of safety while celebrating the joys of water sports. Presented by Paragon Pools of Las Vegas, the annual event featuring exhibits, hands-on activities, learn-to-float classes, and open swimming in the YMCA water park is free and open to the public.

The initiative focuses on ENFORCING the ABC&Ds of water safety, with a BIG emphasis on A-adult supervision. Messaging is presented in both English and Spanish. In addition to the annual event, Duckie, the official water safety mascot, and Joseph Vassallo, CBP, APSP Fellow, make appearances across the city. For out-of-area requests, the duo star in special water safety videos with specific messages to address the organization's needs.

Program partners include the YMCA, the City of Las Vegas, Clark County and the SNHD; Area first responders: Las Vegas Metro, Las Vegas Fire & Rescue, Nevada Highway Patrol, LV Metro Volunteer Police and McGruff; Media stations: KVVU Fox-5, KTNV TV-13 and Beasley Broadcasting Group; Area non-profits: the SNCDPC and Hearts Alive Village; Local businesses: Mary Vail, MBA Publicist, Danny Romero Designs, Pictographics, and UMC Children's Hospital, and Industry affiliates: Zodiac Pool Products, Cover Pools and Carecraft.

FMI, go to http://www.paragonpoolslv.com/float-like-a-duck and follow Duckie at http://www.facebook.com/Floatlikeaduck.

30-sec Water Safety PSA: a collaboration by Clark County & Float Like A Duck on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L25tXSG6BZc&feature=youtu.be&ab_channel=ClarkCountyNV.