Veterans Swim for Suicide Prevention in Madeira Beach

0:00It's April 18th. This is Tampa Bay News today, AI-powered stories from your city. I'm Cory with the story. In Madera Beach, Florida, a crew of veterans and supporters just powered through a one-mile open water swim across Boca-Ciega Bay. This annual event at American Legion Post 273 raises cash and awareness for stop-soldier suicide, a non-profit tackling veteran mental, health crises, and Pinellas County. Organizers drop some heavy stats during the swim. Female service members face over 90% higher suicide risk and roughly 6,000 veterans die by suicide each year. That's held steady. For the past two decades, volunteers share personal drives behind the push. One key organizer lost a friend to suicide and has a retired marine brother fueling his work with a group. They've supported thousands of clients over 15 years without losing a single one. These swims pool in several thousand dollars yearly through donations and community backing, like from the sons of the American Legion. They break down stigma.

1:03Link vets the hotlines and crisis plans and aim to slash military suicide rates by 40% by 2030. Meanwhile, the momentum rolls on with a talent show fundraiser set for May 3rd in Madera Beach. If distress hits you or a vet you know, dial or text 988 for round the clock support. Real action starts with these community waves.