Swimming becomes even more relevant when you read the alarming drowning statistics – particularly as these concern African Americans and Latin Americans… according to a recent CNN article highlighting water safety hero, Wanda Butts, only 60-70% of these minority kids can swim, and the drowning rate of African American kids is three times that of white kids.
While water safety may not immediately seem like a school issue, we have an amazing opportunity to connect swimming to what we already offer as general education. We can save lives.
Schools have a lot on their plates, already, but if we educators can help reduce the drowning rates from current levels of 30,000 drownings per month, this is a great step forward for education and for life. In fact, Congress recently passed a resolution to support water safety education in schools.
This is a result of the hard work of Shaun Anderson and Jayson Jackson, founders of Diversity in Acquatics, who are leading the charge to make a planet that’s, “70% water, 100% safe.” They have started an international movement to raise awareness through International Water Safety Day (IWSD) on May 15th, that encourages schools–along with lifeguards, swim professionals, and everyone else–to take time out to teach simple tips for water safety.
If you missed it this year, look out for next year’s exciting event and a positive way to a great way to get ready for summer!
