Minneapolis swim event works to reduce racial disparities in water safety

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.