Members of Gamma Omicron Sigma (GOS) Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. joined community partners at Johnson Family YMCA recently to promote water safety and swimming education through the sorority’s national SWIM 1922 initiative. Held in partnership with the Shawn D. Delifus Foundation, the event highlighted the importance of swimming instruction a life-saving skill, particularly in communities disproportionately affected by drowning.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Black people under age 30 experience drowning rates 1.5 times higher than their White peers, with Black children ages 10 – 14 drowning in swimming pools at rates more than seven time higher than than White children of the same age. Limited access to swimming lessons and aquatic facilities has been cited as a contributing factor to disparity.
As part of the initiative, the chapter sponsored summer swim lessons for local youth and distributed water safety materials, towels, and snack bags to participating families. The sorority also presented a $1,024 donation to the Shawn D. Delifus Foundation to help expand access to swim instruction and aquatic education programs throughout the summer.
“Through SWIM 1922, we empower communities with essential water safety knowledge to create safer environments for everyone,” chapter members shared.
The initiative aims to equip young people with life-saving swimming skills while promoting confidence and safety around water
The event reflects Sigma Gamma Rho’s longstanding commitment to addressing health and safety disparities while equipping young people with skills that creating opportunities for youth to develop skills that can prevent tragedy. Organizers said partnerships such as this one are critical to ensuring more children have the opportunity to learn to swim, build confidence in the water and stay safe around pools, lakes and beaches.
https://www.jacksonvillesgrhos.org/
https://www.jacksonvillesgrhos.org/