Safe Swim for All
Introduction
The mission of Safe Swim for All is to teach all individuals, regardless of abilities, water safety, skills to be active in the water and where applicable, how to swim. Safe Swim for All will train outside organizations on the methodology of the program, as well as resources to make the program replicable.
History
Safe Swim for All
Everyone should have the chance to learn how to swim, but for individuals with disabilities, this is not always the case. She has seen first hand that children with unique learning needs have been turned away from programs.
Safe Swim for All was founded by Gianna Petrella, in 2018. She is experienced in working with children and adults with multiple disabilities. Gianna saw a lack of resources in her community for swim lessons for individuals with disabilities. Petrella being a swimmer herself, and also having a passion for working with individuals with disabilities, decided to marry her two passions together to form Safe Swim for All. Safe Swim for All has been implemented at three locations in PA, The Western PA School for Blind Children, Riverside Community, and Seneca Valley High School.
When she graduated and began her college endeavors, she brought her program to Athens, OH, where she partnered with the local Board of Developmental Disabilities in Athens County, and the non-profit AF-CADRE. The program launched in January of 2023, where it was successful with 12 students, who all achieved their goals. The program ran a second time in June of 2023 at two locations, serving over 24 students, The support from the community and feedback was amazing, and it was noticed by other communities in Ohio.
Our Plan
The Plan for Safe Swim for All
The goal of Safe Swim for All is to become a program that can be replicated at different locations with college students participating. The program will provide materials and resources to ensure success with the implementation of the program. The long term goal of Safe Swim for All is to lower the risk of drowning in children with disabilities.
