JOSEPH “BUD” LATHAM

1981 INDUCTION INTO THE RHODE ISLAND AQUATIC HALL OF FAME

Bud began his career in aquatics as a diving competitor for the Providence YMCA.  He soon became their swim coach as well as a diving champion.  He held records in both low and high board diving competitions in Rhode Island, and he was a Junior New England AAU Champion in low board diving.  For several years Bud served as a life guard at Rocky Point Pool.  Bud joined the staff at the old Fox Point Boys’ Club as Swimming Director in 1936 and held that position until his retirement in 1967.  Bud’s work at the Boys’ Club is historical.  He taught hundreds of young and old alike to swim in their “Learn to Swim” weeks and regular Red Cross swim lessons at the club.  His swimming teams developed many champions – Bob Arwezon, Eugene Latham, Carl Paulson, Robin Frazer, Diann Tomason, to mention a few.  Bud received the Boys’ Club of America Meritorious Service Award, The Governor’s Boy Award and a 25 year service award from the Providence Chapter, American Red Cross.