Swim for All
The Sharna and Irvin Frank Aquatics Center has been home to Swim for All, a program teaching low-income children in our neighborhood lifesaving swimming skills, since 2022. According to the U.S. National Safety Council, drowning is the second leading cause of death in youth (ages 5-24) and drowning is the number one death of children ages 1 to 5 in the state of Oklahoma.
This important program continues to grow and expand each summer.
2022: 36 children
2023: 64 children
2024: 92 children plus a new session to accommodate 5 adult family members
The lessons focus on teaching each child to submerge their head and blow bubbles, practice kicking, and use their arms in a freestyle stroke. Near the end of the four-week program, children can enjoy using the slide or jumping off the diving board. Upon completing the course, all families receive a complimentary summer pool pass, encouraging them to continue practicing their new, life-saving skill—swimming.
After discovering that most parents and guardians bringing their children to Swim for All were also non-swimmers, a new adult session was introduced in the summer of 2024. Teaching adults this life-saving skill is not only practical but also fosters a positive learning environment for the children. When children see their parents or guardians actively participating and learning alongside them, it can inspire them to fully engage in the process. Moreover, it reinforces the importance of water safety and swimming skills within the family, contributing to a safer and more confident community in and around water.
Swim for All has been an amazing opportunity for not only my children to gain life-changing skills but it also helped to build community as well!! My children love coming to learn, make friends, and feel safe in a secure environment to enjoy swimming. Laura and her staff, simply put, are the best! They truly care about our children and treat them like their own. They are very passionate about teaching/encouraging students of all ages. We are so grateful for the opportunity and love this program. Thank you for everything! —Iris B.
This valuable program is offered at no cost to eligible families, made possible by the support of the George Kaiser Family Foundation and the Opportunity Project. Currently, the program is available to families with children attending Title 1 schools in the neighborhood, specifically Marshall and McClure Elementary Schools.
