LONGVIEW, Texas — Just in the past three weeks, three children have drowned in East Texas. Friends of Swim with Gina, a local nonprofit, is working to help prevent these tragedies.
"We go to the pool, we go to the lake during the summer, and I just want my girls to know what to do when they’re in the water," parent Rachel Graham said.
Parents like Graham are turning to local swim instructors to help keep their families safe, which is where organizations like Friends of Swim with Gina come in. The group provides scholarships to underprivileged children who can’t afford private swim lessons.
"It’s really rewarding to teach those kids knowing that I made a change or difference with Gina and or team for teaching kids how to swim," head swim instructor Payton Smith said.
This week alone the group gave swim lessons to 60 low-income children at no cost to families.
It's all made possible thanks to donations from local businesses and community members across East Texas. This is not only an opportunity for fun, but a chance to learn life-saving skills.
"Water safety, still today with an 8-year-old, I keep my eyes on my girls, I’ve heard of stories that I don’t ever want to have to live. I think water safety is a big deal to learn," Graham said.
If you would like to apply for a scholarship or donate to the mission, you can find more information on their website.