Father’s drowning prompts teen to educate others

Madeline Brindley of Conway was 6 years old when her father died after trying to rescue a drowning man at the beach, and when she grew up, water safety became her passion.

The 18-year-old made water safety her platform two years ago when she entered — and won — her first pageant. She won the Miss Outstanding Teen pageant, and she’s the reigning Miss Teen Conway International. A week ago, she was second runner-up in the Miss Teen Arkansas International pageant in Maumelle.

Brindley makes at least one speaking appearance a week to make a point to students about how dangerous the water can be, and she uses social media to get her message out.

“It does help going into schools with a crown on my head; it does grab their attention,” she said.