Articles

Queens Deaf School Pool Renovation Gets $1.5M Boost – Major Victory for Water Safety

A landmark initiative is underway to restore the historic swimming pool at Lexington School for the Deaf in Queens, with Assembly Member González-Rojas securing $1 million in funding and the Stavros Niarchos Foundation contributing $500,000. The renovation will not only serve the school's deaf students but will also provide vital swimming instruction and lifeguard training to the broader Queens community. In a city where drowning rates are rising and millions lack access to public pools, this project represents a crucial...

Feedback from our 11,000th Swimmer : A Military Veteran

Veteran Hayden Morgan was searching for a way to be active and stay healthy after his service in the military. He had always enjoyed the water, particularly when on vacation, but he felt he was taking chances in the water because he didn’t know how to swim. After an online search, he came across the Swim Strong Foundation’s program for veterans, which provides veterans with free swim lessons. The program for veterans and the convenient location of classes led him to...

Changing the Narrative: A Must-See Film on Breaking Swimming Barriers

 "Changing the Narrative": A Must-See Film for Every Family A Powerful Message on Swimming and Water Safety Greetings, families! Today, I want to share something truly special with you. My friend Ed Accura has created a film that you absolutely must see: "Changing the Narrative". Universal Barriers to Swimming While Ed's film focuses on the UK perspective, the message resonates globally. As I've traveled the world, I've heard the same concerns echoed by people everywhere. The barriers to learning how to swim are truly universal. Reflecting...

Protecting Lives: Discover Swim Strong Foundation’s Mission on Radio Rotary

Listen to Full Show Discover the crucial importance of water safety and drowning prevention with Swim Strong Foundation's Shawn Slevin on Radio Rotary. This eye-opening interview covers essential topics from home safety to environmental awareness, making it a must-listen for parents, educators, and anyone who spends time near water. Are you concerned about water safety for yourself and your loved ones? Do you want to learn how to prevent tragic water-related accidents? Then you absolutely must tune in to the latest episode...

CBS News Article On New York’s Drowning Crisis: Why Water Safety Education is Crucial

Stay updated on the urgent need for improved water safety measures in New York City. This article examines the concerning rise in drowning deaths at city-run beaches and explores how community leaders and advocates are pushing for more: swimming lessons, increased lifeguard presence, and better access to pools. Learn why experts believe fostering an "aquatic culture" could save lives and create a safer summer for all New Yorkers. Read CBS News Report Here

Acknowledge the Risk You Take When Wading into Unguarded Water

As the Summer season comes to a close, the risk of unintended drownings increases significantly, especially with the continuation of warm weather in Fall and hurricane season lasting through November. AccuWeather predicts a "second summer" with elevated temperatures and increased storm activity, potentially reaching "near historic" levels.   For those venturing into unguarded waters, understanding the dangers beneath the surface is crucial. Here are some tips to stay safe this Fall:  - Stay informed about local weather and storm activity, as distant storms...

Racial disparities in drowning deaths persist, research shows by Naseem S. Miller, The Journalist’s Resource

Racial disparities in drowning deaths persist, research shows by Naseem S. Miller, The Journalist's Resource May 16, 2024 This piece, originally published in July 2021, was updated in May 2024 with new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the findings of two recent studies on drowning prevention interventions. Worldwide, at least 235,000 people fatally drown each year, making it one of the leading causes of injury-related death. The U.N. General Assembly has said drowning is "largely unrecognized relative to...