Ben Hair Just Swim for Life Foundation seeks pool access to teach Charlottesville children swimming

In the heart of Charlottesville, a passionate plea echoed through the city council chambers as community advocates gathered to address a pressing issue: the urgent need for swim education among local children. The meeting, held on July 21, 2025, brought to light the stark reality that many young residents lack access to essential swimming lessons, a gap that could have dire consequences.

One speaker, reflecting on his seven-year journey to promote swim education, shared his experiences teaching children from diverse backgrounds. He highlighted the success of the YMCA in building a facility that improved health outcomes but noted that it still fell short in reaching underrepresented demographics. With a commitment to inclusivity, he has partnered with local pools to offer lessons, emphasizing that 82% of the children he teaches come from non-white backgrounds. His recent contract with the YMCA aims to introduce swimming to second graders across Charlottesville and surrounding counties, although he acknowledged that the program is just a starting point.

Kim Basile Wood, representing the Ben Hair Just Swim for Life Foundation, echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of accessible swim education. She pointed out that the majority of pools in Charlottesville are privately owned, making it difficult for families to afford lessons. Currently, her foundation is teaching 131 children at Fry Springs Pool, but she called for greater community support to expand their reach. Wood passionately argued that every child deserves the opportunity to learn to swim, regardless of their background, and urged the council to consider renting or even selling the Crow Pool at a reduced rate to facilitate this mission.

As the meeting progressed, the urgency of the situation became clear. Advocates emphasized that without intervention, many children could face the risk of drowning, a preventable tragedy. Their heartfelt appeals underscored a collective desire for a community where swimming is not a privilege but a right for all.

The discussions at the city council meeting highlighted a critical need for action. As the council members listened, the hope was that their decisions would pave the way for a safer, more inclusive future for the children of Charlottesville, ensuring that every young person has the chance to learn this vital life skill.