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Since 2010, Detroit Swims has taught more than 5800 kids how to swim and aims to teach all kids in the Metro Detroit.
Swimming is excellent for mental and physical health, as well as academic achievement, but of f the 120,000 children in the city, it’s estimated 100,000 of them can’t swim, according to one source.
Detroit Swims is a nonprofit started by lifeguards in 2010 at the Boll Family YMCA to reduce disparities in swim ability. The lifeguards contributed $2000 out of their paycheck to teach the first 35 kids how to swim.
Latino kids across the country often lack access to pools and swimming lessons, thus face higher rates of drowning and obesity related chronic disease compared to white kids.
Detroit Swims has expanded to over six locations, and works with local schools and apartment complexes to provide classes during and after school for students and adults.
In a partnership with a Center for Success Detroit after school literacy program, kids are rewarded with free swim lessons.
Swimming may be the most promising activity to get Latino kids active in and out of school.
Spread the word and find out how you can start or support a program like this in your community.
By The Numbers
33
percent
of Latinos live within walking distance (<1 mile) of a park
