Why are swim lessons important?

For generations, African-Americans have been deprived of many opportunities, including the ability to learn how to swim.  Many of the slaves that came from Africa lived on the coast, which enabled them to become avid swimmers.  When they were traded, and moved to the United States as slaves, swimming was the first right to be taken away.  The slave owners didn’t want them to escape.  After two generations of being unable to swim, the skill and knowledge slowly diminished.

Kejirah having fun at the pool

60 percent of African-Americans don’t know how to swim, and are three times more likely to drown.  After Kari Mellott, Child Care Director, learned these facts, she was driven to include swimming lessons into the summer camp program. 

“Camp provides access to swimming, and without these types of services, these kids won’t have these opportunities.” 

The campers participate in swim lessons and open swim three times a week.  She hopes that they will utilize the skills they learn to contribute to the community, such as being part of the swim team or becoming a junior lifeguard at the Cincinnati Recreation Commission.  Kari also sees swimming as an opportunity for them to utilize their time, and stay out of trouble.

Taveon enjoying himself at open swim

Janasha, who is the oldest camper at the age of 9, loves swimming.  She likes going to the pool because, she can hangout with her friends, have new experiences, and learn new activities. 

Janasha says that, “I like how I can save myself and others, because now I know how to swim.” 

She wants to teach her younger sibling, Olivia how to swim when she gets older.  Being the oldest in the group, she is able to help Ms. Eden with her classmates to teach them, which she enjoys.  Right now they are learning how to flutter kick, but they have learned how to not be afraid of the water, how to go under, and how to feel the water as they move.

We find it very important to teach our inner-city students how to swim, because of their limited access to pools.  They can take what they have learned to teach others and their family.  The students will be able to take their skills and use them throughout their lives.