It’s Everyone’s Responsibility: A Lifelong Journey in Drowning Prevention

By Swan Cooke – Aquatic Supervisor, Lake Havasu City Parks and Recreation

I always thought I was doing everything right.

I grew up swimming competitively and carried that passion with me through school, into my career, and into my life’s mission. I have long believed in the importance of learning to swim—not just as a sport, but as a life skill, a source of health, and a pathway to confidence in and around water. With more than thirty years in the aquatics field, I considered myself a subject matter expert. I was certain my work reflected my values.

And then someone asked me a simple question: Had I considered underserved children in my own community?

The honest answer was no.

My programs were full year-round. I believed I was already making a difference. But that question changed everything. With the support of colleagues and a team of enthusiastic instructors, I began exploring how to reach children who otherwise wouldn’t have access to swim lessons. What I found was eye-opening—families were going to extraordinary lengths just for the chance to help their children learn to swim.

That realization reshaped my understanding of impact.

We expanded our efforts. Through an intergovernmental agreement, we began offering swim lessons to every kindergartner in the community. Soon after, we extended programs to tribal members who had never had the opportunity—Head Start students, preschoolers, and middle schoolers. One open door led to another.

We introduced hands-only CPR training through Mission CPR, integrating lifesaving skills into our aquatic programs. When fifth graders returned to the pool, we added a follow-up component: a water competency test based on American Red Cross standards, along with CPR and Stop the Bleed training. It felt comprehensive. It felt complete.

But then came a sobering moment.

During our first group of fifth graders, six students were identified as non-swimmers. Two of them had to be rescued after venturing into water over their heads.

I didn’t expect it. And I couldn’t ignore it.

That moment forced us to rethink our approach. With the help of additional partners, we secured funding to expand our programming again—this time ensuring that every third grader received foundational swimming and water safety instruction. Now, our model includes early exposure in kindergarten, reinforcement in third grade, and competency checks with lifesaving skills in fifth grade.

And still, the story didn’t end there.

Adults began reaching out—people who had read about our programs or heard about them through the community. They left messages, phone numbers, and one common admission: “I never learned to swim.”

Drowning prevention is not just about children.

Yes, drowning remains the leading cause of death for children ages one to four. Yes, the financial cost of a single drowning incident can range from $4 million to $5.5 million. But beyond the statistics are stories—of teens following friends into water they’re not prepared for, of adults underestimating the effects of alcohol, of a father leaning too far over a boat, of grandparents who never had the chance to learn.

Drowning does not discriminate by age.

And the truth is, prevention is possible.

This work has taught me something humbling: no matter how much we think we’re doing, there is always more we can do. Expanding access, meeting people where they are, and addressing gaps we didn’t even know existed—this is how real change happens.

Sometimes it can feel like we are a small group trying to solve a very big problem. But history reminds us that meaningful change often begins that way—with a handful of committed individuals who refuse to stop.

So don’t stop.

There are people who will support this work—financially, professionally, and personally. There are grants to pursue, partnerships to build, and communities waiting to be reached.

And even if the impact feels small, it matters.

Because maybe it’s one toddler.
One child.
One teen.
One parent.
One grandparent.

One life saved is worth everything.

Drowning is preventable. And prevention is everyone’s responsibility.