Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) has partnered with several local organizations to offer a paid learn-to-swim and lifeguard training program for youth in West and Southwest Philadelphia. The initiative, which includes support from Fab Youth Philly (FYP), Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, the West Philadelphia YMCA, and other partners, aims to address the city’s shortage of youth lifeguards while providing safe summer programming.
The Learn 2 Swim program targets young people aged 15-17 living in West or Southwest Philadelphia. Participants first complete swim lessons before moving on to lifeguard training and certification opportunities. Program organizers highlight that swimming is an important life skill that enhances safety and well-being and helps prevent drowning among youth.
“Learn to Swim is more than swim lessons – it’s a chance for children to learn water safety, build confidence and stay active,” said Vanesa Karamanian, MD, MPH, director of Healthier Together at CHOP. “The program also supports youth leadership and opens the door to become certified as lifeguards through Fab Youth Philly’s training program. By supporting this partnership, Healthier Together is advancing its mission to empower young people with life-saving skills and career opportunities, while helping make their communities safer and healthier.”
The collaboration began in 2023 with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation providing water safety instructors for lifeguard certification courses. Drexel University supported the effort by offering pool time through its Athletics Department. The Drexel Health Hub contributed by conducting physical exams for participants, while the West Philadelphia Promise Neighborhood helped cover salaries and supplies for youth workers. Fab Youth Philly led outreach efforts and facilitated up to ten hours of workforce development programming covering topics such as reading a paycheck, budgeting, and resume writing.
This year’s expansion includes additional funding from CHOP’s Healthier Together initiative, the Connelly Foundation, Temple University Athletics, Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) VIP grant, and support from the West Philadelphia YMCA.
Experts from CHOP’s Sports Medicine and Performance Center joined forces with staff from Fab Youth Philly, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, Drexel University, American Red Cross, PCCD, and the West Philadelphia YMCA to deliver programming designed to benefit both youth participants and their communities.
“This program addresses an ongoing nationwide lifeguard shortage that puts summer pool access at risk. Philadelphia Parks & Recreation works with partners to ensure every neighborhood has access to safe, open pools and that youth have equitable opportunities to learn, earn, and grow by gaining critical skills, income, and a foundation for future success,“ said AnneMarie Dunne, Deputy Commissioner of Programs at Philadelphia Parks & Recreation.
“Our goals are specifically designed to support teenagers’ key developmental needs by helping them gain financial independence, explore their interests and passions, and build meaningful relationships with both peers and adults. FYP is a youth development organization providing award-winning programs for young people. They specialize in creating workforce opportunities for teens ages 15-19 through summer and afterschool jobs,” said Rebecca Fabiano MSEd of Fab Youth Philly.
Funding from CHOP’s Healthier Together initiative was supplemented in April 2024 when Pennsylvania’s Commission on Crime & Delinquency awarded funds specifically for a paid skill-building component aimed at preparing teens for lifeguard certification testing.
