After son's drowning, mother on mission to make sure kids can swim

LaTosha Roberts makes it her goal to teach children safety around water

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – With recent news of several children who drowned, a local mother is painfully reminded of when she lost her 2-year-old son.

LaTosha Roberts' son, Colby, drowned 13 years ago. 

"Water was coming out of his nose, his mouth and his ears. His eyes were closed and he was blue," Roberts said. 

Roberts is now using her story to help parents going through the same pain, and prevent other parents from going through that pain.

Roberts is working to connect families with free swimming lessons for children, but she needs to spread the word.

The mother, who's very passionate about making a difference, said before children go near a swimming pool, they need to know a few simple steps to save their lives. 

"Seeing the recent headlines with the 2-year-old and 18-month-old, I know where they are and I know exactly how they feel," Roberts told News4Jax on Wednesday. "I saw my baby floating in the actual pool. It felt like a bad dream."

Roberts said news of children drowning in swimming pools is becoming too common.

Since April, seven children have drowned and two nearly drowned, according to News4Jax records. Just on Tuesday, an 18-month-old drowned in a backyard swimming pool in Yulee, Nassau County deputies said. 

"It's my mission and my goal to actually teach these kids safety around water. That's what it's called," Roberts said. 

In 2004, Roberts said, she was preparing for a Memorial Day party when her son wandered off into a pool and drowned. Since that day, she's been on a mission to start Colby's Angels in his honor. 

Colby's Angels is a nonprofit that works with local groups to teach children how to swim for free. During the eight-lesson program, children ages 5-12 will learn drowning prevention techniques, such as proper breathing in the water.

The Jacksonville Mayor's Office has contacted Roberts about the program.

Not only is Roberts trying to connect families with swimming lessons, she's also offering support to parents who are now without their children. 

"Cry with me. Hold my hand. Hug me if you need to. If you need for me to meet you somewhere at a restaurant, where we can just vent and tell the stories, to motivate you and be supportive and strengthen yourself within that whole situation -- I can do that," Roberts said. 

If you're interested in learning more about Colby's Angels, email Roberts at tosh1284@outlook.com. You can also view Colby's Angels' Instagram @colbysswimmingangels.