Op-ed: Building a future where every child can swim

June 23, 2026

The Huron-Clinton Metroparks and Detroit Parks & Recreation are addressing childhood drowning—a leading cause of death for young children—by expanding access to free swimming lessons in Southeast Michigan. Since 2021, their collaborative programs, Everyone in the Pool and Swim in the D, have provided free lessons to over 11,000 children and adults, while also distributing thousands of life jackets to remove cost barriers to water safety. The organizations are working to bring programming directly into communities, particularly urban areas where nearly 70% of Detroit children lack swimming experience due to limited pool access, transportation issues, and lesson costs.

Who is affected

Children ages 1 to 14 (particularly those at drowning risk)
Children in urban communities, especially Detroit where nearly 70% have little to no swimming experience
More than 11,000 children and adults across Southeast Michigan who have received lessons since 2021
Over 5,100 residents participating in programs this year
Metro Detroit families receiving free life jackets
Families facing barriers including limited pool access, transportation challenges, and lesson costs

What action is being taken

Providing free swim lessons through Everyone in the Pool and Swim in the D programs
Reaching more than 5,100 residents this year through partnerships with schools, recreation centers, and community organizations
Distributing thousands of free life jackets to Metro Detroit residents
Operating the Huron-Clinton Metroparks Water Garden at Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park in Detroit
Offering swim lessons through the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit at locations throughout Southeast Michigan

Why it matters

Drowning is a leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4 and the second leading cause of accidental death for children ages 5 to 14, making water safety education critical for saving lives. Michigan's geography, surrounded by pools, rivers, and the Great Lakes, means water is part of everyday life, yet significant barriers prevent many children—particularly in urban communities—from learning essential swimming skills. By removing cost, transportation, and accessibility barriers, these programs provide life-saving skills and confidence to vulnerable populations who would otherwise lack opportunities to learn water safety.

What's next

Registration for Session Two of the Swim in the D program opens at 10 a.m. on June 27
Session Two runs from July 20 through August 15 at recreation centers across Detroit
Families can sign up for lessons through the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit
The organizations are seeking additional partnerships with schools, nonprofits, community organizations, and corporate partners to expand programming
Working toward the goal of providing 6,000 free swim lessons annually by 2028

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com