“Josh the Otter” is a children’s book authored in 2009 by Nebraska Rotarians Blake and Kathy Collingsworth, following the tragic drowning of their young son, Joshua, in the family’s backyard pool. Motivated by their loss, the Collingsworths created the book to educate children on the importance of water safety and the critical need for adult supervision around water. Through the efforts of the Joshua Collingsworth Memorial Foundation, “Josh the Otter” was distributed to every elementary school in Nebraska in 2009 and 2010, accompanied by a heartfelt request for educators to share the story with students prior to summer break.

In alignment with our commitment to promoting literacy, health, and safety among local elementary students, the Rotary Club of Clinton launched our own “Josh the Otter” initiative. Upon receiving grant funding from The Rotary Foundation, we acquired books, educational materials, stickers, and a Josh the Otter costume to support our outreach. Each spring, just before the end of the school year, our club members visited all nine elementary schools in the Clinton area to deliver the program. Rotarians personally distributed the materials and engaged with students, reinforcing the life-saving message of water safety in an engaging and memorable way.