Curriculum teaches swim basics, safety fundamentals to fourth graders

Media Contact: Jennifer Ciaccia, 216-250-5863, jciaccia@cuyahogacounty.gov

CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH – Today, the Cuyahoga County Fresh Water Institute, in partnership with AquaMissions and Cleveland State University, announced the expansion of the Learn-to-Swim Program, a free curriculum providing introductory water experiences, water safety education, and basic swim instruction for fourth grade students. The first phase of expanded lessons aims to teach 2,500 students from the Warrensville Heights and Cleveland Metropolitan School Districts, with a future goal of County-wide implementation. The Learn-to-Swim lessons will be held in Cleveland State University’s Busbey Natatorium.

“The Fresh Water Institute aims to foster future generations’ access to our natural resources through education and research, and I am thrilled to see the first phase of this project come to life,” said County Executive Chris Ronayne. “Through the Learn-to-Swim Program, we are looking forward to creating a stronger, healthier Cuyahoga one swimmer at a time.”

The Learn-to-Swim initiative aims to teach basic swimming and water safety skills which greatly reduce a child’s risk of drowning. According a 2024 CDC study, more than half of US adults have never taken a swim lesson. Learning to swim not only saves lives but also builds self-esteem, helps children overcome fear a of water, and enhances overall wellness. By incorporating swimming into the elementary curriculum, schools in Cuyahoga County are providing life-saving skills that empower the next generation.

“The Fresh Water Institute is designed to catalyze and strengthen our region’s culture of freshwater stewardship and that starts with immersive educational experiences for Cuyahoga County students. Water safety and swim lessons are foundational to this effort,” said Fresh Water Institute Program Director Emily Bacha. "We're proud to support the Learn-to-Swim program at Cleveland State University, and we're grateful for the funding secured by Congresswoman Shontel Brown to expand these lessons for more students."

AquaMissions’ lessons are designed with inclusion, acceptance, patience, and compassion in mind. Building on this foundation, the program consists of low student-to-instructor ratios designed to support children as they develop swimming skills, while fostering an environment of consistency and trust.

“We are grateful for this meaningful regional investment in water safety to reduce drowning risks, improve confidence, and foster lifelong skills,” said Dr. Lynne Nagy, founder of Aquamissions. “We hope to work with our partners to create a model for water safety education in other urban areas.”

As part of the Learn-to-Swim collaboration, Cleveland State University will conduct life-saving research on the effectiveness of water safety education and the long-term impact of swim instruction on youth. These studies will contribute to a broader understanding of how early swim education can reduce drowning risks and improve overall health outcomes in urban communities.

“Cleveland State is deeply committed to fostering both academic growth and community well-being,” said CSU Provost Nigamanth Sridhar, Ph.D. “The Learn-to-Swim Program is an excellent example of how we can apply research and education to make a tangible difference in the lives of young people. By partnering with AquaMissions and the Cuyahoga County Fresh Water Institute, we are not only teaching essential life skills, but also contributing to the health and safety of our future generations.”

The Fresh Water Institute builds upon a foundation of youth education and community science that defines, supports, and connects stakeholders to current and future workforce opportunities in the blue economy, while advocating for freshwater stewardship and access. To learn more about the FreshWater Institute, visit here.

Photos from the Learn to Swim Program Announcement, courtesy: Cuyahoga County Communications.

Photos from AquaMissions swim classes, courtesy: Cuyahoga County Communications.