When I was about five or six years old, I mistakenly began to swim the LENGTH of the pool instead of the WIDTH and, when I went to put my feet down, I didn't touch bottom and began to panic --- my mother was watching from the upstairs window which overlooks the pool area and she began to frantically beat on the glass with both of her fists. My feet were nowhere near the bottom, as I had swum into the section of the pool which lowered to six feet. I started flailing and splashing and, had it not been for Mr. McLaughlin saving me, I could have very easily drowned...I literally owe him my life and, if anyone deserves a statue in his honor, it's Mr. McLaughlin
I really never knew Pump, But he did spend a lot of time with my brother Joe O'Brien. My brother Joe at one time was one hell of a swimmer. He swam for the YMCA and Butler High. I'm sure that he touched a lot of lives during his career
I recently thought of pump while putting my son's kickboard away. Those big hands squeezing together and shooting water at my face. What a great man. Glad I knew him. He touched many and taught me to swim 30 years ago.
Pump tought me how to teach at the Y. I always admired the way he interacted with the kids. He is sadly missed and thought about often. I always say that when I grow up, I want to be swim instructor again.
Pump also taught me to swim and dive.He was a decent diver.I was on the y swim team back in the day and was a diver and did free syle.We need more people like Pump for children to be around.He was a true roll model.
Wow, nice post,there are many person searching about that now they will find enough resources by your post.Thank you for sharing to us.Please one more post about that..
Pump is my great uncle and he taught me how to swim and I swim today because of him. I miss telling him how my times have improved. He would have a big smile on his face and you knew he was so proud of you. It is an honor to be his great niece. I try to live my life like Pump, but i know i can never live up to him.My mother, Alice Ann McLaughlin Boyle, helped Pump teach lessons and she swam for him for many years. I know Pump is aways watching over me in every race i swim being my good luck charm. I miss you Pump!
John. F. "Pump" McLaughlin 
10 comments:
Beutifully done. Pump taught me how to swim, as well. Great tribute ti him!
Dee (Bowman) Green
When I was about five or six years old, I mistakenly began to swim the LENGTH of the pool instead of the WIDTH and, when I went to put my feet down, I didn't touch bottom and began to panic --- my mother was watching from the upstairs window which overlooks the pool area and she began to frantically beat on the glass with both of her fists. My feet were nowhere near the bottom, as I had swum into the section of the pool which lowered to six feet. I started flailing and splashing and, had it not been for Mr. McLaughlin saving me, I could have very easily drowned...I literally owe him my life and, if anyone deserves a statue in his honor, it's Mr. McLaughlin
I too learned to swim thanks to Pump. He made learning to swim fun!
Thanks PUMP!
Marty O'Brien (not the judge, the girl Mary)
I really never knew Pump, But he did spend a lot of time with my brother Joe O'Brien. My brother Joe at one time was one hell of a swimmer. He swam for the YMCA and Butler High.
I'm sure that he touched a lot of lives during his career
I recently thought of pump while putting my son's kickboard away. Those big hands squeezing together and shooting water at my face. What a great man. Glad I knew him. He touched many and taught me to swim 30 years ago.
I remember Pumpy! He would tell us to jump into the pool and that he would catch us...which he didn't. haha
Pump tought me how to teach at the Y. I always admired the way he interacted with the kids. He is sadly missed and thought about often. I always say that when I grow up, I want to be swim instructor again.
Pump also taught me to swim and dive.He was a decent diver.I was on the y swim team back in the day and was a diver and did free syle.We need more people like Pump for children to be around.He was a true roll model.
Wow, nice post,there are many person searching about that now they will find enough resources by your post.Thank you for sharing to us.Please one more post about that..
Pump is my great uncle and he taught me how to swim and I swim today because of him. I miss telling him how my times have improved. He would have a big smile on his face and you knew he was so proud of you. It is an honor to be his great niece. I try to live my life like Pump, but i know i can never live up to him.My mother, Alice Ann McLaughlin Boyle, helped Pump teach lessons and she swam for him for many years. I know Pump is aways watching over me in every race i swim being my good luck charm. I miss you Pump!
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