Nestled in a corner of Richmond’s East End, SwimRVA’s Church Hill facility boasts one of our strongest communities. Sharing a building with the Salvation Army Youth Center of Richmond, the indoor pool at SwimRVA – Church Hill hosts daily swim schools, private lessons, and importantly, students from nearby schools. At this facility, over 400 children take part in swim lessons completely cost-free. 

Many students in the East End come from households with limited financial resources and opportunities. According to the National Drowning Prevention Alliance, almost 80% of children in households with an income below $50,000 per year have “few-to-no swimming skills,” meaning that their risk of drowning is exponentially higher. By building relationships with organizations in the East End, we hope to break down the social and economic barriers to aquatic access and water safety.

One of our most impactful partnerships is with Anna Julia Cooper School – a tuition-free school serving students from the East End. AJC serves students from Kindergarten through 8th Grade, and all students are eligible and encouraged to participate in their school’s private swim lessons at SwimRVA – Church Hill. The daily turnout of these lessons more than shows the enjoyment the close-knit students get from being in the water. 

But providing aquatic access and water safety was never enough for SwimRVA Church Hill’s staff, who understand that bonding and creating a community can also be transformational in their students’ development.

 “Our team — made up of people from this very community — teaches these kids how to swim, how to float, how to breathe, and how to trust,” says Andrew Otto, SwimRVA’s Northside Programs Manager.

Many SwimRVA – Church Hill lifeguards are students or graduates of local schools like Armstrong High School or Franklin Military Academy. Building out a community of swimmers and lifeguards not only helps swim school students learn better and feel more connected to aquatic activity, but it is also a crucial component to keep all East End children safe in the water. In fact, some swimmers from partnered school swim lessons have grown up to become lifeguards themselves, which in turn, inspires healthier communities that contribute to our pursuit of Drownproofing Richmond. 

Andrew Otto summarizes these programs succinctly, “This work is meaningful. It’s personal. And it’s home.”