Dozens of Black and Brown children filled the pool at V3 Sports Center in north Minneapolis this weekend for a free swim‑safety event focused on building confidence and expanding access to water‑safety skills. 

Jack and Jill of America’s Minneapolis chapter hosted its second annual JJ Swim safety event, drawing more than 80 kids — a 60% increase from last year, according to organizers. Children in grades kindergarten to seniors in high school attended. 

“I just got to go faster, faster, faster, faster,” said swimmer Jaden Walker as he pushed himself through the water. 

He later shared his personal benchmark for a full lap.

“One lap down and back would be 27 seconds for me,” Jaden said.

While some kids focused on speed, instructors emphasized the importance of basic safety and comfort in the water. 

A teen lifeguard working the event said many kids her age still lack essential swim skills.

“I think a lot of kids my age or younger don’t know how to swim, and it limits the exercise you can do and the fun you can have, especially over the summer,” said 15‑year‑old lifeguard Taylor Williams.

V3 staff guided students through several stations.

“They are learning basic things, breathing, floating, forward movement, and then we’re doing life jacket fitting over there, and we’re doing CPR,” said V3 Sports Aquatics Program Assistant Dejah Teetzle.

Organizers say the event is designed to make swimming accessible and welcoming for families who have historically had fewer opportunities to learn.

“It’s electrifying in here. The kids are having such a good time,” said Marisa Williams, with Jack and Jill.

She added that the turnout reflects the need for programs like this.

“It just makes us feel really good that we’re exposing Black and Brown children to the water in a way that they feel really good about.”

The CDC reports that Black people of all ages have some of the highest drowning rates in the country, and Black and Brown children are less likely to receive formal swim lessons. 

The agency also notes that Black children face a significantly higher risk of drowning in swimming pools compared to white children, a disparity tied to decades of limited access to pools, lessons and water‑safety resources.

For many families, the event was also about challenging the narrative.

“I feel like it’s very important that we’re breaking the stereotype and that we’re also bettering our community by doing events like this,” said swimmer Aneya Bliss.

Young swimmers left with big dreams sparked by their time in the water.

“I would love to be a lifeguard, and maybe even go to the Olympics someday,” Jaden said.

Teetzle said early exposure matters and that ages 1 to 3 are an important time to introduce children to water comfort and basic skills. The center also offers adult lessons for those learning later in life.

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Movie lovers have plenty to celebrate as the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival (MSPIFF) brings global cinema and special events to the Twin Cities.

Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival brings films, events and special guests to venues across the city

Timeline:

The festival is showcasing more than 230 films from around the world, along with parties, panels, and filmmaker conversations. Most events are happening at The Main Cinema in Minneapolis, with additional screenings at Edina Theatre, the Capri in North Minneapolis, and other local venues.

Dean Cundey, the acclaimed cinematographer behind Jurassic Park, Apollo 13, and the Halloween films, is this year’s special guest. He’ll join a conversation about his career at DeLaSalle High School at 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 12, and take part in a Q&A after a special Jurassic Park screening at 6:30 p.m. the same day at The Main Cinema.

The festival’s closing night film, Prince & The New Power Generation: Live at Glam Slam, will be shown at 4:45 p.m. on Sunday, April 19 at The Main Cinema. The screening features newly discovered footage from a 1992 concert at Prince’s Minneapolis club, described as a “sweaty, sold-out, last-minute show that captures the sheer joy and sense of endless possibility that came to define this era.”

MSPIFF’s closing night party will follow at Riverplace Atrium at 43 SE Main Street in Minneapolis.

The world premiere of Wild West Bank Sound is set for 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 19 at The Main Cinema. The film explores the West Bank neighborhood’s rich musical legacy, featuring rare archival footage and stories from artists who shaped the area’s sound.

The festival continues through Sunday, offering both local and international stories, and a chance for moviegoers to connect with filmmakers and each other.

Big picture view:

MSPIFF has grown into a major cultural event, drawing film fans and industry insiders from across Minnesota and beyond. With a mix of premieres, retrospectives, and community events, the festival highlights the Twin Cities’ role as a creative hub.

Why you should care:

The festival is a rare opportunity to see films that might not otherwise screen locally, meet filmmakers, and celebrate the region’s vibrant arts scene. Whether you’re a die-hard film buff or just looking for something new, MSPIFF’s lineup has something for everyone.

More information can be found on the festival’s website.