This month, ROW highlights Indy Parks and its role in increasing access to our waterways. Indy Parks’ mission is to connect communities by providing places and experiences that inspire healthy living, social engagement, and a love of nature. ROW works with Indy Parks on projects ranging from local education programming and park cleanups to neighborhood infrastructure and habitat restoration along Indy’s waterways. Indy Parks is currently partnering with ROW’s Central Canal Committee to provide free swim lessons through a new program called Everyone Swims.
According to a Centers for Disease Control study, rates of drowning in both pool and natural water settings were higher for African Americans than others. A USA Swimming Foundation study concludes that up to 70% of African American children cannot swim. The Everyone Swims initiative will give more of Indy’s residents access to water safety, helping to close the gap in this particular disparity by removing financial barriers.
Everyone Swims brings quality learn-to-swim and water safety programs to children in Marion County who would not receive these life skills elsewhere. The program focuses on the fundamentals of swimming: getting in and out of the water safely, floating, and beginning swim strokes. This approach progressively builds confidence and awareness in new swimmers.
ROW is excited to work with Indy Parks on this important program and grateful for the efforts of the Central Canal Committee to push this initiative forward!
For more information and to arrange lessons contact Janet Vasquez at [email protected]. Lessons will take place at George Washington High School (2215 W Washington Street).