New Orleans launching initiative to teach hundreds of kids to swim

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — A new program was announced Friday, July 25, that aims to teach hundreds of children and teenagers in Orleans Parish to swim.

According to the New Orleans Health Department, the program is called Big Easy Swim Easy. It is a citywide initiative offering water safety courses and free swim lessons to children and teens across the parish. The program aims to prevent drowning, promote water safety and increase access to lifesaving swimming education for New Orleans youth.

“Swimming is more than a summer pastime, it’s a critical safety skill that every child should have access to,” said Jeanie Donovan, Deputy Director of Population Health and Disease Prevention at the New Orleans Health Department. “By partnering with community organizations like the 18th Ward, we’re making sure families have the opportunity to keep their kids active, confident and safe in the water this summer.”

The program will run till September 2026. It will aim to offer swimming instruction to around 700 lower-income children ages 5-18. Pre-registration is required. Families can sign up through the city’s website.

The NOHD said the initiative will prevent childhood drowning, promote health equity and encourage physical activity.

The initiative is grant-funded by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and will be done in partnership with the 18th Ward, a local youth development nonprofit.

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