AUSTIN, Texas —
Austin-based nonprofit Tankproof is giving families more access to lifesaving swim lessons.
According to the National Institute of Health, studies show formal swim lessons reduce drownings by 88%.
Tankproof is community-based and aims to bring equitable access to aquatics and food security to minorities across the U.S. It provides free lessons to Central Texans as well as giving out food.
Dmitri Julius said he wanted to make sure his son, Nolan, was ready before diving in. Now, Nolan has been enrolled in free lessons with Tankproof.
"We wanted that added level of safety that comes with parenting when you're trying to, you know, figure out what your kids are doing and what they're getting into," Julius said.
As Nolan gets comfortable with his sea legs, his dad said it's important for others to do the same. Tankproof offers a free option.
"A community-driven place where people are focusing not only on the financial needs but also creating a community where you can feel comfortable," Julius said. "It really brings out individuals that wouldn't otherwise find themselves in a situation where they believe that they could be a strong swimmer."
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Tankproof also opens the door for more to learn.
"For people we serve, it's free. Our goal is always to give it out for free, and it can help on a need basis," Tankproof aquatics director Theodore Lee said.
Lee said it's important to reach as many people as possible. The group recently got a grant through Gusto Impact Awards. Tankproof will get $10,000 in cash and then $50,000 in advertising around Austin to help get the word out about its mission.
The founders, brothers Thurman and Torrance Thomas, said that cash grant will be used for hosting a one-week session of swim lessons for more kids in Austin this summer.
“Everybody should learn how to swim. I think what Tankproof does it just exposes you to that – so that way when you see that your kids are swimming, you see how easy it is, and conquering those fears,” Lee said.
Not from lack of trying, but Tankproof can only help so many students. There are options, like Emler Swim School.
"Drowning is 100% preventable. So we want to make sure we're constantly teaching them those safety skills," Chelsea Rojas, general manager at the Emler Swim School Anderson Mills Location, said.
The swim school partnered with Hope Floats to fundraise and offer need-based scholarships.
"We just want to make sure everybody has an opportunity and has the resources available to get them into swim lessons because it can be lifesaving," Rojas said.
Visit the groups' websites for more information about the Tankproof events or the Hope Floats scholarships. You can also donate during the month of May to the Hope Floats fund to provide even more scholarships.