SOMA Justice Learn-to-Swim Program
SOMA Justice Learn-to-Swim Program
Since 2023, SOMA Justice has partnered with swim instructor and swim equity advocate Ellis Peters to provide over 50 free and reduced-cost one-on-one beginner swim lessons to individuals ages 5–55. The program focuses on those who may have limited access to lessons, including adults who cannot swim, children with special needs, and community members with financial barriers.
This program has been made possible through a generous donation in memory of Maria Eugenia Irma Fagalde Ide Petros, a local mother and grandmother who loved swimming.
Looking ahead, SOMA Justice aims to raise $10,000 to expand the program, reach more participants, and operate year-round.
Why This Matters
Swimming is an essential life skill and a public health issue. However, access to swim lessons can be limited due to cost and lack of facilities. Historical and structural barriers have also contributed to disparities in access, leading to gaps in swimming ability across communities.
The Facts
- African American children ages 5–19 are nearly six times more likely to drown in a swimming pool than their white peers.
- 45% of Hispanic/Latino children and 64% of African American children have little to no swimming ability.
- If a parent does not know how to swim, there is only a 19% chance their child will learn.
(Source: USA Swimming)
Why Do We Need Swim Equity?
Swimming is a life skill and a public health issue, yet learning to swim requires access to a pool and can be prohibitively expensive for many families. Access to swimming pools has further been limited through segregation, the privatization of public pools and creation of fee-based pools and the shift from public swimming pools to private backyard pools. The result is a huge racial gap in swimming abilities. SOMA Justice’s Swim Equity Program is working to bridge this gap.
The Facts
African American children ages 5-19 are nearly six times more likely to drown in a swimming pool than their Caucasian peers.
45% of Hispanic/Latino children and 64% of African American children have little to no swimming ability.
If a parent does not know how to swim, there is only a 19% chance that a child in their household will learn to swim.
(Source: USA Swimming)
