The History of JJSA
Welcome to JJ’s Swim Angels (JJSA)! Did you know that there are anywhere between 900 to 1400 man-made bodies of water within the Phoenix-Metro area? We didn’t either, at least not until after the drowning of our founder’s grandchild in an ungated pond outside her place of residence. Unfortunately, he didn’t survive.
To find some meaning to her loss, she started researching infant/toddler mortality rates by drowning in the middle of the Arizona desert. Every instance of a young infant/toddler drowning and/or fatality added to her grief but also increased her resolve. She wanted to do all she could to keep one more family from suffering the preventable loss of a child by drowning.
What is JJ’s Swim Angels offering?
JJSA is determined to provide 12 weeks of swim lessons and water safety education to children in marginalized communities. By raising funds through online platforms, seeking support from local businesses and organizations, organizing fundraising events, and utilizing social media, they aim to ensure that these children have access to life-saving swim lessons and learn essential water safety skills.
How is this going to benefit my infant/toddler?
Having JJSA sponsoring your child with swim lessons and water safety prevention will allow them to experience numerous benefits that can have a lasting impact on their well-being and safety:
1. Water Safety Skills: Your child will learn essential water safety skills, such as floating, treading water, and basic swimming techniques. These skills are crucial for their safety in and around water bodies, reducing the risk of accidents and drowning.
2. Confidence in Water: The swim lessons will help your child build confidence in the water. They will learn to overcome fears and develop a sense of comfort and control, which can positively impact their overall confidence and self-esteem.
3. Physical Fitness: Swimming is an excellent form of exercise that engages the entire body. Through regular swim lessons, your child will improve their strength, stamina, and cardiovascular fitness. Swimming is also a low-impact activity, making it suitable for children of all fitness levels.
4. Social Skills and Teamwork: Swim lessons often involve group activities and interactions. Your child will have the opportunity to meet and interact with other children, fostering social skills and teamwork. They will learn to cooperate, communicate, and support each other, creating a positive and inclusive environment.
5. Lifelong Skill: Learning to swim is a lifelong skill that can benefit your child throughout their life. It opens up opportunities for recreational activities, water sports, and water-based adventures. It also increases their safety and confidence when participating in water-related activities.
6. Water Awareness: By participating in the swim lessons and water safety program, your child will develop a greater understanding of water environments, including lakes, pools, and oceans. They will learn about potential hazards, how to assess risks, and make informed decisions to ensure their safety.
Overall, this program will empower them to enjoy water activities safely and confidently, leading to a healthier and happier life.
Child Benefits
Coordination
Critical Thinking Skills
Improves reading
Increases the ability to count
Builds confidence
Who are we hoping to help?
By providing access to water safety education and swimming lessons, we can empower children from marginalized communities with life-saving skills and knowledge. This will not only reduce the risk of drowning incidents but also instill confidence and promote physical and mental well-being among these children.
Raising awareness about infant/child mortality related to drowning in marginalized neighborhoods is crucial to addressing this issue and advocating for the funds necessary to eradicate drowning fatalities nationwide.
