RICHFIELD, Minnesota — Minnesota may be the land of 10,000 lakes, but not every resident gets to enjoy those lakes.
"The purpose of Foss is to build confidence and provide a lifetime of safety around water," said Jenia Strom, a community engagement specialist with Foss Swim School.
CDC statistics show that disparities for drowning deaths are highest among Black children. Receiving swim lessons from a qualified instructor can reduce the risk of drowning by 88% among children ages 1-4, Children's Minnesota reports.
However, some families do not have the means to pay for professional swim lessons. So Foss Swim School got involved in a collaboration that seeks to help out families.
"Outdoor Afro [and] their Making Waves program aims to be able to help every Black child and their caregivers be able to swim," said Allison Viets, a Corporate Responsible Lead with Winnebago Industries. "Winnebago Industries is really proud to be able to sponsor and help with this program."
Outdoor Afro is a non-profit dedicated to reconnecting the Black community to nature. With the help of Winnebago, they're offering scholarships at Foss Swim Schools for free or reduced-cost lessons for families in need.
"When we look at what makes a healthy life, a good life, we need to be providing safety for as many people as possible," Strom said.
It's not just the children who are benefiting from scholarships. Foss Swim School reported that parents are jumping into the program to feel confident in their swimming skills.
"Adults who are learning how to swim as well and being a role model for their kids, it's been an amazing opportunity getting to connect with those folks," Strom said.
Scholarships will be available for this summer quarter. You can apply starting May 23.
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