Mayor Bruce Harrell, Seattle Parks and Recreation, and a host of community partners are excited to announce the launch of Swim Seattle – a program designed to reduce drownings and remove barriers for Seattle children to obtain comprehensive, free swim lessons.
Swim Seattle is an initiative promoting basic swimming and water safety skills focused on disproportionately affected racial/ethnic groups to reduce drownings (As youth of color are far more likely to die from a swim related death than their white peers and are far less likely to have the opportunity to have engaging, accessible, and effective swim instruction). These disparities have existed for far too long, and it’s time to make a bold step forward in our collective efforts to ensure swim safety – a vital life skill – is accessible for all, especially in a city and state known for its abundant lakes and shorelines.
Please join Mayor Harrell and Seattle Parks and Recreation to announce the new pilot program Swim Seattle, in partnership with No more Under, the YMCA, regional recreation partners, Children’s Hospital, University of Washington (HIPRC), Washington State Parks, and water safety advocates to provide free swim instruction to Seattle area youth. In 2023, the pilot will start with a cohort of 250 low-income youth, with the hope that once we get the model right, we can expand citywide, and across the region! (Learn more about how to sign up, below)
Registration for the first cohort of Swim Seattle will begin May 16, online, in-person at Seattle pools, and via phone (206-684-8020). Lessons will begin in summer 2023 at pools throughout the city, and workshops for families will be monthly on topics such as skincare and haircare when swimming, addressing fears of water, and water safety practices.
Join in for a fun, kick-off press conference on Saturday, April 22, 9:30 A.M – 11 A.M. at Rainier Beach Community Center and Pool (8825 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118).
An additional community-focused event, Healthy Kids Day, will be held Saturday, April 29, 9:30 A.M. – 1 P.M. at Meredith Mathews East Madison YMCA (1700 23rd Ave, Seattle, WA 98122). Learn more about this event here > >
HIPRC will have a table at both events! Come say hello and learn more about drowning prevention! Games, resources, and more will be available at our booth!
Swim Seattle Kick Off Event (April 23, 2023):
