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July 24, 2025 | From City of New Orleans

New Orleans launching initiative to teach hundreds of kids to swim

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — A new program was announced on Friday, July 25, that aims to teach hundreds of children and teenagers in Orleans Parish to swim.

According to the New Orleans Health Department, the program is called Big Easy Swim Easy. It is a citywide initiative offering water safety courses and free swim lessons to children and teens across the parish. The program aims to prevent drowning, promote water safety and increase access to lifesaving swimming education for New Orleans youth.

“Swimming is more than a summer pastime, it’s a critical safety skill that every child should have access to,” said Jeanie Donovan, Deputy Director of Population Health and Disease Prevention at the New Orleans Health Department. “By partnering with community organizations like the 18th Ward, we’re making sure families have the opportunity to keep their kids active, confident and safe in the water this summer.”

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