OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. - The Huron-Clinton Metroparks are working with community partners across the region to make sure kids and families are safe in the water through their "Everyone in the Pool" initiative.
Amy McMillan, CEO of Huron-Clinton Metroparks, said the program teaches both children and adults how to swim.
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"It's about making sure everyone has the skills and confidence to be safe in the water," she said.
Disturbing statistics sparked the initiative.
"On average, about 60 percent of kids in the region don't know how to swim," McMillan said. "For households earning $50,000 or less a year, that number rises to over 70 percent. That puts those kids at risk for drowning."
Drowning is the third leading cause of death for children, McMillan noted.
"If you don't know how to swim or don't feel safe in the water, you miss out on so much -- community pools, outdoor water activities. For us, that's an equity issue."
The Metroparks surveyed communities and found swim lessons are often too expensive for many families.
"Lessons are super expensive, so we started funding free swim lesson programs with our partners," McMillan said. "We didn't need to build new pools; we just needed to remove the cost barrier so kids could learn to swim safely."
This summer, the program is on track to teach 4,000 kids how to swim.
McMillan hopes many will become lifeguards at Metroparks pools, helping address a statewide shortage.
To enhance safety at beaches, the Metroparks installed rescue boards and throw bags.
When a throw bag is removed, an alarm sounds to alert others. The rescue board can be paddled out to assist swimmers in distress.
"We had an incident at Stoney Creek where a bystander used the rescue board and throw bag to help someone in distress until police arrived," McMillan said. "Thankfully, the person was okay."
The Metroparks Police Department also acquired LUCAS devices this year. These machines provide automated CPR during emergencies, improving patient outcomes.
Life jackets are free and available at every beach and pool.
"Each beach has two life jacket stations with sizes for all ages," McMillan said. "You don't have to show ID or sign anything. Just take a life jacket, put it on, and return it when you're done. We clean them throughout the day."
She emphasized the importance of life jackets because drowning is often silent.
"Kids usually drown in 30 seconds, adults in one minute. Making sure your child can keep their head above water with a life jacket is critical."
Earlier this year, the Metroparks held life jacket giveaways, distributing about 1,500 jackets to families in partnership with sponsors and community groups.
"Our goal is to make every child in Southeast Michigan safe in the water and able to enjoy pools and outdoor water activities," McMillan said. "We want everyone to feel confident and safe when they step into the water."
For more information about free swim lessons, life jackets and water safety, visit www.metroparks.com/everyone-in-the-pool/.