Discrimination Was One Reason Why Accessible Swimming Lessons Are Important
By Zach Armstrong
Eligible families in Santa Monica could soon have access to free swimming lessons for their children.
During Santa Monica City Council’s June 13 meeting, councilmembers Phil Brock and de la Torre put forward a motion requesting to direct the City Manager to develop a resource estimate that would provide financial assistance to families for free or reduced-cost swim lessons at Santa Monica Aquatics facilities. Partnering with community nonprofits was also an option laid out.
“All children who reside in Santa Monica should have basic swim skills by the time they exit 5th grade,” a staff report read. “It is a societal imperative that is especially important for diverse children who face many barriers to becoming acclimated to the water. In our coastal community with direct proximity to the Pacific Ocean, the availability of backyard pools in some areas of our community means that a child can lose their life because they lack a skill that should be common to all Santa Monica children.”
Discrimination and racism was another reason as to why accessible swimming lessons are important, according to the document.
“It is imperative that all traces of America’s racist past be erased in our time, and one of those areas is the ability and right to be able to swim.” it stated. “In the recent past, swimming was an integral part of physical education classes at Santa Monica middle schools. The ability to pay for swim instruction should not be a barrier to becoming a proficient swimmer.”
