Jackie De Leon is 16 years old and was born in NYC but moved to California when she was four-years-old. Jackie immediately fell in love with her new beach community. She signed up for swim lessons shortly after her arrival and in no time was invited to join the neighborhood swim team. When Jackie was in middle school, she participated in the local Junior Lifeguard Program and later became CPR certified.
Jackie also enjoys surfing and has sailed on the lakes in the high Sierras. Currently, she is a member of a rowing team. Jackie is aware of water safety because of her involvement in swimming, sailing, surfing, and rowing. However, she just learned of Shallow Water Blackout from a friend who lost her son to this silent killer. She was surprised to discover how easy it is for recreational and skilled swimmers, divers and water polo players of all ages to succumb to Shallow Water Blackout. What was most surprising to Jackie is that even elite-level athletes die from this phenomenon. She wanted to spread awareness in her community to prevent another life lost to Shallow Water Blackout.
Welcome to the team, Jackie!