ESP Awarded $30,500 Swim Safe Grant from the City of Boston

Kicking off another introduction to swimming at the Huntington YMCA thanks to the Swim Safe Grant funding.

Equitable School Partnerships of Boston (ESP) is proud to announce that it has received a $30,500 Swim Safe Grant from the City of Boston. This funding will allow over 200 students from ESP partner schools- Hurley, Blackstone, Beethoven, and Ohrenberger- to receive free swimming lessons during the current school year. These lessons will be delivered in partnership with the Huntington Avenue YMCA and the Parkway YMCA, ensuring students have access to high-quality, beginner-level instruction in safe and supportive environments.

The Swim Safe Grant program, offered by Mayor Michelle Wu and the City of Boston, reflects the City’s continued commitment to ensuring families have access to affordable swim instruction. Swim Safe is designed to help all Boston youth learn to swim and safely enjoy the city’s pools and coastline.

ESP has a long-standing commitment to expanding swim access for Boston Public Schools students. Over the years, more than 500 students have benefited from ESP school-sponsored swim programs, building essential life-saving skills and confidence in the water. 

Students build their swim skills through weekly lessons with their experienced YMCA instructors.

Statistics from the American Red Cross highlight the critical importance of swim education in our country. Drowning remains a leading cause of death for children in the United States and swimming proficiency is not equal across racial and economic demographics. Research shows significant disparities: 64% of African American children, 45% of Hispanic/Latino children, and 40% of Caucasian children report having few to no swimming skills. 79% of children in low-income households have few-to-no swimming skills. These inequities underscore the urgency of removing all barriers to swimming lessons.

"It is a critical life skill for every child to have access to learn how to swim for safety and survival," said a Hurley School parent, whose child has benefitted from these swimming lessons.

ESP is deeply grateful to the City of Boston and Mayor Wu for their continued support and partnership. We look forward to seeing many more children in our city gain confidence, proficiency, and belonging in the water through this important initiative.