Mayor Michelle Wu is making a splash in Boston's fight against drowning by offering free swim lessons for kids in need. The expanded Swim Safe program, according to the City of Boston's recent announcement, is receiving a financial boost to bring the life-saving skill of swimming to historically underserved communities. With drownings being a major concern—especially among minority children—the program addresses a public health emergency head-on.
Two community pools stand as pillars of progress in Boston's aquatic initiative. According to an article on the City of Boston website, the historic BCYF Marshall Pool in Dorchester, which had its grand reopening last fall, and the BCYF Mattahunt Community Center pool in Mattapan, slated to welcome swimmers again this summer after renovation, are more than just places to take a dip; they are havens of safety and inclusion. The refurbishment of the Mattahunt pool comes with a hefty $12.7 million price tag. Closed for a multi-year facelift, this summer's reopening is set to make a serious splash.
As a coastal city, we want to ensure that all our young people can safely enjoy our water and pools," Mayor Wu said in the City of Boston report. The initiative, which launched in July 2023, has already taught over 1,000 youth to swim at no cost. With the mercury rising and school out, the program is expanding to meet the high demand for swim lessons ahead of the summer season. Beginner-level swimmers will receive top priority
Jose Massó, the City's Chief of Human Services, a parent, and an ex-lifeguard, understands the stakes. "These grant opportunities and pool openings represent progress and a lot of hard work," Massó told the City of Boston report. Fatal drowning rates, as cited by the CDC, are high, particularly among Black and Latino children, which makes this initiative much more than just a leisure activity—it's a potential lifesaver.
The City isn't just focused on teaching kids to swim; they're fixing the places they learn in. Boston is pouring $34.3 million into the capital plan over the next few years to renovate old pools. Work is already on track to get more pools open this summer than in previous years. And soon, there'll be more eyes on the water, as the City is waving residency requirements to hire more lifeguards and pumping resources into lifeguard training.
Free swimming lessons are part of the package, thanks to partnerships with the YMCA of Greater Boston, Boys and Girls Club, Dorchester House, and USA Swimming. Families might be swimming in opportunity, but they won’t be swimming in debt—there's no charge for membership or programming at BCYF centers and pools. Registration details are available on the BCYF website, where residents can take the plunge into this life-changing (and lifesaving) program.
