TOLEDO, Ohio — While outdoor pools may be closed for the rest of the year, the conversation around swim lessons is still going on.
This is especially true after some concerning statistics from the Centers for Disease Control show US drowning deaths are on the rise, after decades of decline.
In Toledo, The Josh Project has been focused on teaching inner-city kids and teens water safety.
The Josh Project's executive director, Lawrence Butts, said the goal is to make sure swim lessons are affordable and accessible to all.
Wanda Butts founded the organization and still lives with the pain of losing her only son 18 years ago when he was just 16 years old, because he didn't know how to swim.
"I used to call him my pride and joy," Wanda Butts said.
But, she said she didn't want him to die in vain of not making sure others learn from his passing. Wanda Butts said drowning is 100% preventable and that she believes learning how to swim is an essential life skill.
So, Wanda Butts has been filled with pride and joy because her son's legacy, The Josh Project, recently had a full circle moment.
Donnell Winn Jr., one of the program's graduates, is now an instructor for the program and a Junior Olympian. He said he loves giving back to the program that has given so much.
"It gives me a better view of what my instructor saw," Donnell said. "I can see why they were so happy. All the kids were so happy when they're trying to do something."
Donnell told his parents that without the project, he didn't think he'd be able to accomplish all he's done so far.
For the last three years since graduating from The Josh Project, Donnell has gone on to win countless medals at meets and competitions. He knows that being a young Black man who's a certified swimmer is an accomplishment.
The CDC reported that drowning death rates for Black people were 28% higher in 2021 than in 2019.
Donnell said everyone should try to learn the basics and conquer any water fears. He said watching one of his young students do it themselves, anything is possible.
"He was super scared. He was like, 'You're going to hold onto me right? Hold tight, hold tight!' I put him on a kickboard and I told him to kick. I was holding him and I let my hands go, and he kept going. He was like, 'You're holding me right?' I was like 'Yeah!'" Donnell said. "I wasn't even holding him."
For nearly 18 years, The Josh Project has been offering swim lessons for years, and as the new executive director, Lawrence Butts said he's grateful to his aunt for having done it for so long. He explained how he has plans to make sure lessons are offered quarterly to ensure more people get a chance to swim.
The most recent class of 60 students signed up in three weeks, Lawrence Butts said.
For Lawrence Butts, he said meeting Donnell and hearing his story made an impact.
"Just talking to him is just like, 'wow!'" Lawrence Butts said. "So, that just lets us know The Josh Project is really making a difference in individuals' lives."
That difference, through Josh's legacy, has an impact on Wanda Butts as well.
"Try to keep, most times, an attitude of gratitude," Wanda Butts said. "Because I'm grateful."
Lawrence Butts said it's important to showcase how necessary water safety in and around water is for everyone. They have lessons with the Greater Toledo Aquatics Club providing a Coach & Instructors, over at St Francis de Sales School's pool.
"Swimming doesn't stop just because it gets cold outside. Doesn't mean that we're not swimming anymore," Lawrence Butts said. "We pretty much have one person per child during the lesson."
To learn more about the project and how you can sign up for classes, visit The Josh Project.
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