Swim Seattle works to teach all children how to be safe in water

The city of Seattle is launching a swimming program with the goal of addressing the racial disparity in youth drowning deaths. Registration for the pilot program, called Swim Seattle, opens May 16.

Katie Wolff is an injury epidemiologist at the University of Washington who focuses on injury prevention and research. Part of that work includes researching firearm injuries and drowning. Nationwide, Black and Native children drown at rates more than twice as high as those of white children, she said.

“And we think that a lot of that is because of a difference in access to instruction and water safety,” she said. “It probably goes back to sort of historical and generational barriers to access to recreational swimming facilities, to beaches, to pools.”

Every year in Washington state, an average of 17 children and teens drown, according to Harborview Injury Prevention & Research Center. Nationwide, drowning remains a leading cause of injury-related death in children.

Wolff said teaching young people how to swim, especially in a region like ours, is important.

“Especially when there's a lot of open water like there is in a place like Seattle, you have to contend with things like waves and currents,” she explained.

Seattle’s pilot swimming program will take in 250 children, and will be held throughout the city's different public pools. It’ll prioritize families who show a financial need.

Wolff called Swim Seattle a solid first step. As children get older, she thinks it’s a good idea to develop other water safety skills that are more proactive, like spotting the silent signs of someone who’s drowning, and knowing how to help.

People can sign up for Swim Seattle through their local city pool, online, or by calling 206-684-8020.