Hillsborough Recreation and Social Services Departments Partner with NJPRA, New Jersey Swim Safety Alliance, and Dolfin Swimwear to Host Swimsuit and Goggle Drive

Initiative strives to reduce drowning deaths in young children

Hillsborough Township Parks & Recreation and the Hillsborough Township Community Assistance Network (C.A.N.) are proud to partner with the 2025 Bathing Suit & Goggle drive that's spearheaded each year by the New Jersey Parks & Recreation Association (NJPRA), New Jersey Swim Safety Alliance, and Dolfin Swimwear.

Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death among children ages one through four, since swim lessons require a proper bathing suit. For many families, this has been one of the major stumbling blocks to access to these lessons.

“The Hillsborough community has proved many times over that they can be counted on to assist those in need,” said Mayor John Ciccarelli at the July 8th Township Committee meeting. “We are appealing to residents once again to help save lives and donate to this worthy cause.”

The 2024 Bathing Suit & Goggle initiative yielded record results.  Over 3,300 bathing suits, 7,200 swim diapers, and 600 pairs of goggles were collected at 44 locations throughout the state. More than 1,500 children were outfitted with the proper swim gear.

“No child should be turned away from swimming or swimming lessons during the summer months,” said Committeeman and Recreation Department Liaison Robert Britting, Jr. “This bathing suit and goggles drive not only saves lives, it gives children the ability to participate in a fun activity and not just sit on the sidelines.”

Residents can drop off new, unused boys' or girls' bathing suits and/or goggles at the Parks & Recreation office or the Social Services outdoor donation bin located at the Hillsborough Municipal Complex. Drop-offs will take place between July 9th and September 5th.

"We're proud to be a participating community in the 2025 Bathing Suit & Goggle Drive,” added Director of Parks & Recreation, Griffin Dunne. “As a long-time member of the New Jersey Parks & Recreation Association, I have learned about all the positive impacts this initiative has brought to my colleagues’ communities. After understanding the benefits of this program, it was a no-brainer to have Hillsborough join this endeavor."

###