Mateo Lopez, 22, a young father of two, tragically lost his life on Oct. 5, 2022, just 10 feet from a dock on Lake Norman, North Carolina, reported by Cornellius Today. Witnessed by a crowd, Lopez’s struggle was agonizingly visible, but the absence of proper rescue equipment and bystanders who couldn’t swim left them feeling powerless.
Among those witnesses was 13-year-old Cade Redmond, who struggled to understand how a life could be lost amidst a crowd of people. The need for immediate, life-saving solutions weighed heavily on his young shoulders.
Redmond embarked on a mission, the “Devoted Float” campaign, to raise awareness and resources for life-saving devices at our docksides. This grassroots movement swiftly garnered support from various organizations, including the Qualified nated from the Nestler family. Captain, West Marine, law enforcement agencies, fire departments and the U.S. Coast Guard. They recognized the urgency of spreading this life-saving message nationally.
Our beloved Isle of Palms city dock, a place of joy and relaxation for residents and visitors, shockingly lacked a fundamental safety feature — a life ring. Astonishingly, one in seven unintentional deaths result from drowning, leading to approximately 4,000 fatalities each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The absence of a life ring raises a haunting question: Could Mateo Lopez still be with his family today if a life ring had been there that fateful day?
In the spirit of love for our island and the safety of our community, our family has stepped forward and donated a life ring for our city dock. This gift symbolizes not only love and compassion but also serves as a tribute to our Isle of Palms firefighters and our dedicated police officers who face such heartbreaking situations daily, risking their lives for our safety.
The life ring stands as a powerful symbol of hope and security — a declaration that our community looks out for one another. It signifies that we refuse to remain passive when our fellow residents and visitors are at risk. It is a testament to the idea that one person, like young Redmond, can ignite change through compassion and dedication, and that change can ripple through our community to save lives.
Let us remember Lopez and others who have suffered due to the absence of safety measures at our docks nationwide. Their stories should be our driving force, reminding us that our community thrives on kindness and commitment. This gift is a powerful act of kindness that should inspire us to take action and safeguard our community on all levels and at all times.
The installation of this life ring marks a pivotal step towards ensuring that our city dock becomes a safer haven for all. As we do so, we carry the memory of Lopez in our hearts — a poignant reminder of our collective duty to protect and nurture our community.
In the name of Lopez, Redmond and all first responders that protect and put our community’s safety in front of theirs, we unite in the spirit of benevolence. Together, we can make a profound impact on the lives of those we cherish. Let this life ring stand as a symbol of our dedication to the well-being and safety of our beloved community.
By Julie Nestler
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