Beat the heat for a good cause in the first Cypress Gardens Float-A-Thon

What better way to cool off in the summer time and give to a good cause than taking a float on Paradise River at Cypress Gardens Splash Island at the Inaugural Cypress Gardens Paradise River Float-A-Thon? The event takes place from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, July 19.

Here is a way to take a break from your cares while helping one of the organizations that is always helping people prepare for severe weather — the American Red Cross.

You can help the American Red Cross Polk County Chapter by joining in the inaugural Cypress Gardens Paradise River Float-A-Thon. Help raise funds for disaster preparation and relief and to support health and safety programs, while you drift with the current.

You can preregister with the Red Cross by calling (863) 294-5941 or via e-mail at [email protected].

Pledge forms are currently available at Cypress Gardens, at www.cypressgardens.com, at the American Red Cross Polk County Chapter or by visiting https://polkcountyfl.redcross.org/float-a-thon.htm.

So grab a tube at Paradise River, and join the fun. Floaters will need a minimum of $40 in pledges to participate. Arrive at the parking lot by 7:30 a.m. to ensure time to reach Splash Island by 8 a.m. Full rules are listed on the pledge form.