Detroit

About 70% of Black children in Detroit can’t swim, according to data collected by the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit, and, per a 2021 report from aquatics planning and design firm Counsilman-Hunsaker, Detroiters are more afraid of the water than residents from other southeast Michigan communities.

Metroparks Director Amy McMillan told BridgeDetroit it’s too early to know how many spots will be designated to Detroiters each year but the city is a priority; she anticipates a large number of classes will roll out at community centers, such as the Adams Butzel Complex in northwest Detroit.

The program offers free indoor classes from January through May. Classes are being held at the Adams Butzel Complex, Heilmann Community Center, Northwest Activities Center, and the Patton Community Center. Families can register on the Metroparks website.

Living here, odds are you will find yourself in a body of water sooner or later. According to Michigan State University, the State of Michigan has 86 watersheds, over 26,000 inland lakes and 120 rivers. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) states Michigan's area is 41.5% water! That's more than Hawaii (41.2%)!

It may sound trivial or unimportant or some other excuse you've already got in your head, but knowing how to swim is up there with knowing how to cross a busy street or driving.