Did you know that minorities are nearly three times as likely to drown as their Caucasian counterparts? TAC is working to combat this sad statistic and has partnered with USA Swimming’s “Make A Splash” learn-to-swim initiative. Through “Make A Splash”, we are able to offer free or reduced swim lessons to many eligible children in our community.
Thanks in part to grants towards Make a Splash, TAC is accepting registrations for group learn-to-swim classes for minority school aged children, ages 5 – 18. Triangle Aquatic Center will be working with area schools, churches and youth groups to register eligible children and ensure that these children are given every opportunity to learn to be safe in, on and around the water. Here are a few key facts:
- 46% of parents of at-risk swimmers said they are afraid that their child will drown or become injured by swimming
- 91% of African-American children will not learn to swim if their parents do not know how
- 56% Hispanic or Latino children and six out of 10 African-American children are unable to swim
Please contact Megan Joyner, TAC Program manager if you or your youth-based organization would like to participate in swim classes, or if you would like to contribute to this important effort. Make a Splash covers through Youth 3 or Preschool 4.