Youth Under Water : Empowered to Swim
SUMMARY OF PROJECT
This initiative is a youth-centered, community-led swimming program offering free swimming lessons for racialized and immigrant youth in Ottawa, beginning in the summer of 2025. Hosted at the Nepean Sportsplex, the program will engage professionally trained young instructors to teach safe, structured, and confidence-building swimming lessons. With biweekly sessions accommodating 32 participants each, youth will receive one hour of instruction followed by an hour of free swim and self-guided practice. The project emphasizes physical activity, confidence building, leadership, and personal development, and is part of a larger youth wellness and empowerment effort led by Ottawa-based organizers.
SUMMARY OF PLAN
Many racialized youth in Ottawa, particularly Black and immigrant communities, face systemic and cultural barriers to accessing swimming instruction. These include generational fears around water safety, financial inaccessibility, and a lack of culturally affirming programs. Past tragedies—such as youth drowning due to lack of swimming skills—highlight the urgent need for inclusive water safety education. Additionally, swimming is often discouraged in some communities due to myths, trauma, or absence of role models, leaving young people vulnerable, unconfident, and excluded from an essential life skill and leadership opportunity.
SUMMARY OF ISSUE IN FOCUS
Many racialized youth in Ottawa, particularly Black and immigrant communities, face systemic and cultural barriers to accessing swimming instruction. These include generational fears around water safety, financial inaccessibility, and a lack of culturally affirming programs. Past tragedies—such as youth drowning due to lack of swimming skills—highlight the urgent need for inclusive water safety education. Additionally, swimming is often discouraged in some communities due to myths, trauma, or absence of role models, leaving young people vulnerable, unconfident, and excluded from an essential life skill and leadership opportunity.
Led by
Alexandra AndréTarah Jean-BaptisteClarens Plaisimond
