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Sigma Gamma Rho and Common Point bring Swim 1922 water-safety lessons to Bronx youth
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Summary
Sigma Gamma Rho sorority and nonprofit Common Point held a water-safety event at the Common Point Bronx Center where children as young as 4 learned basic swim and lifesaving skills; USA Olympic swimmer Natalie Hines served as an instructor.
Sigma Gamma Rho sorority and nonprofit Common Point held a water-safety event at the Common Point Bronx Center in Crotona that taught Bronx children basic swimming and lifesaving skills, organizers and the reporter said.
Organizers described the initiative as part of "Swim 1922," a Sigma Gamma Rho program named for the sorority's founding year that aims to expand equitable access to swim education across Charlotte, North Carolina; Washington, D.C.; and New York City. "It's an important life skill that we should all have," a program presenter said.
Natalie Hines, identified in the transcript as a USA Olympic swimmer and a member of Sigma Gamma Rho, was among the day's instructors. "They make me so happy. I get to share my story of my love for the water and also we get to teach people how to swim," Hines said, adding that part of her personal mission is to lower barriers to entering the sport and teach people how to stay calm and afloat.
Program participants and presenters emphasized reducing fear and increasing comfort in the water. "I hope they take away a love of the water," a participant said, noting historical apprehension around swimming. The event also included family activities organized with local community groups; the reporter noted that Sigma Gamma Rho's Bronx chapter and Common Point regularly collaborate on public-health initiatives.
Organizers said the program is rooted in local commitment: several presenters said they were born and raised in the Bronx, left for college, then returned to help build programming that serves their community. The reporter identified Bronx youth as participants, some as young as 4, who were earning introductory swim markers that day.
Chris Cumella of BronxNet reported from Crotona.
