For Atlanta residents, July is probably one of the hottest months of the year. Now, residents can cool off and learn important swim safety lessons during the Swoop’s Swim Safe Clinic.
On Friday, July 11th, USA Swimming, in partnership with Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority and Emory Athletics seeks to raise awareness about the importance of learning to swim through the Swoop’s Swim Safe Clinic by providing a free water safety clinic at the Woodruff PE Center Indoor Pool. The clinic is designed to educate parents, children, educators and communities about the importance of learning to swim and how to be safer around the water. The clinic will be conducted from 5:00 through 8:00 pm.
The Swoop’s Swim Safe Clinic includes water safety orientations and a free beginner’s swim lesson for parent and infant, youth and adult participants. The clinic serves as the fourth stop on the Swim 1922 Summer Tour, which included similar clinics in Houston, New York, and Jacksonville, Fla.
The Swim 1922 partnership between USA Swimming and Sigma Gamma Rho is committed to creating and growing opportunities for increased participation in the sport of swimming for black women and the black community large.
According to a study conducted by the USA Swimming Foundation and the University of Memphis, 70% of black children don’t know how to swim compared to 60% Hispanic and Latino children and 40% of white children. According to the CDC, an estimated 10 people drown daily with at least 2 being children under the age of 14 and drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death among children ages to 4. However, studies have also shown that formal swimming lessons reduce the risk of childhood drowning by up to 88%.
“The women of Sigma Gamma Rho have been exceptional in finding ways to engage underserved communities and the Iota Zeta Sigma alumnae chapter and Emory University have done an excellent job of providing this one for the greater Atlanta area,” says USA Swimming Multicultural PR Manager Rhonda Marable. “Most people who come to these clinics have never had formal swimming lessons or heard any type of water safety messages. Clinics like these are important to help us curb the shocking drowning statistics that disproportionately affect blacks.”
Pre-registration for the event is required and there is limited space available. If you’re interested in participating in the Swoop’s Swim Safe Clinic, visit; http://www.swoopswims.com/
