I CAN SWIM! teaches swimming lessons, promotes water safety

Local children and adults have been learning the importance of water safety and being able to swim as part of the “I CAN SWIM!” project. 

More than 10 people die every single day from unintentional drowning, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Cincinnati Recreation Commission, along with many city officials, is hoping to lower that number and decrease the number of water-related deaths and injuries through “I CAN SWIM!”

“I CAN SWIM!” started in dedication to Bryce and Cameron Jeff, ages 8 and 10, who drowned in a neighbor's backyard pool in June 2011.

The series of lessons are instructed by The American Red Cross and help swimmers develop and refine their swimming skills as well as teaching them water safety.

Councilmember Yvette Simpson, who never learned to swim, began the second round of this summer’s swim lessons this week at Lincoln Pool. Simpson will continue her lessons on Monday and Wednesday nights from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. until the end of the month.

“We’re committed to raising awareness and making people feel comfortable,” Simpson says. “If we can learn to swim together and move the dial on that number, it’s going to feel worth it.”

The “I CAN SWIM!” project concludes the week of July 28, with the last swim lesson on July 30. But Simpson still urges citizens of all ages to make the commitment any time of year and reduce the risk of drowning.

“You never know when you’re going to need it,” Simpson says. “If you don’t understand the fundamentals, you can’t save yourself [or others].”

Do Good: 

•    Follow Yvette’s experience on Twitter using #swimwithsimpson

•    Take a swim lesson at one of the CRC pools.

•    Inquire about volunteer opportunities.