According to the USA Swimming Foundation, 64% of African American children, 45% of Hispanic/Latino children, and 40% of Caucasian children have little to no swimming ability. The number is worse in low-income homes, where 79% of kids don’t know how.
Tankproof, is a non-profit that partners with swim schools to offer free lessons for underserved youth. Their goal is to provide access, equity, and opportunity through swimming lessons to make communities safer and even save lives.
Tankproof was founded in 2011 by Louisiana-based twins Thurman and Torrence Thomas. When Thurman was just 9 years old, he nearly drowned at a pool party. After that, his mom enrolled him and his brother in swimming lessons.
“We believe everyone should have this opportunity,” says Thurman. “Learning how to swim can actually save your life.”
Tankproof has served over 2,350 individuals nation-wide with multiple sites in Louisiana, as well as in Austin, Texas, and San Francisco, California. They plan on expanding to five more cities across the country this year.
