One second grader froze after dropping her toy into a 13-foot-deep Olympic-size pool at La Salle University. Her swimming coach jumped in to retrieve it, but instead of waiting, Isha took a deep breath and jumped in herself.

Soon after, other second graders followed her into the water. Just a few weeks earlier, they likely would not have had the confidence to do so.

These students gained their confidence through the Learn to Swim pilot program established by Logan Community Schools Coordinator Eli Prosper and La Salle University head swim coach Kerry Smith.

The new swimmers attend James Logan Elementary School, where most students are African American. According to the CDC, drowning fatalities are significantly higher among Black children than White children — approximately 2.6 times higher for Black children ages 5–9 and 3.6 times higher for those ages 10–14.

In swimming pools, the drowning rate for Black children ages 10-14 is 7.6 times higher than White children. These disparities are most often attributed to a historical lack of access to pools due to discrimination.

During two weeks in April, second graders participated in daily swimming and water safety instruction at La Salle. The school district provided transportation to and from campus, making the program accessible for students and families.

Over the course of the program, energetic second graders became focused students eagerly waiting for the moment their teacher announced it was time to head to the pool. The program’s primary goal was to teach water safety while helping students feel comfortable and capable in the water.

Students participated in Water Habits Are Learned Early (WHALE) lessons, games, and one-on-one instruction from La Salle student-athletes, including swimmers, divers, triathletes, and water polo players.

Community Schools are a partnership among the City of Philadelphia, the School District of Philadelphia, and local school communities designed to remove barriers to learning and support student success.

In each Community School, a coordinator helps build partnerships and programs that promote wellness, stability, and educational opportunities for students, families, and neighbors. There are currently 20 City-designated Community Schools serving nearly 13,000 students, supported by the Philadelphia Beverage Tax.