Nadar Por Vida Program Teaches Proper Swim Technique, Water Safety

Wayne State Generic

By Dennis D’Abbraccio, Swimming World College Intern

FALLS CHURCH – Nadar Por Vida, or “Swim for Life,” assists families coming here for the American Dream, by coaching and demonstrating proper technique in competitive swimming.

The mission of this northern Virginia program goes far beyond showing proper technique to predominantly Latino children. This program wants to fight childhood obesity and drop the percentage of minority drowning rates. The main goal of this organization is to help low income minority children learn competitive swimming and water safety. Minority children are three times as likely to die of drowning than Caucasian children.

Coach Arthur Lopez runs this program (assisted by volunteers) through Falls Church, Virginia. “There is no more supporting or welcoming community in America for at-risk families than the Northern Virginia swim community! Nationally, high school and college swimmers have the highest grade point averages. They are the best overall students and perfect role models.”

Nadar Por Vida wants (usually) these first generation swimmers to set life goals, work hard and go off to college. The mission stresses for a healthy body, using swimming as a life skill. Swimming is a skill that is kept for life, and a skill that leads to a healthier life.

Many college swimmers will volunteer to be these children’s role model and teach them proper swimming technique. Greg Walker of the Marymount University Saints volunteered last semester and says it is a great feeling knowing he can be there to help. “It’s just a great feeling seeing the kids happy in the water, and seeing them improve week after week. These kids need role models, and it makes me feel good knowing I can take that role, while showing them how to swim properly.”

Walker worked with a group of seven kids for several weeks in a row, noticing improvement as the sessions went by. “I think the best feeling is seeing their improvement. I know that I am doing my job right and improving these little guys’ lives in the long run.”

The program runs every Saturday from 6:00pm-8:00pm and connects swimming with life. Proper swim attire is provided for the swimmers, including swim suits, goggles and caps. Hopes of a small donation by the participating families is encouraged. If times are tough financially for the families participating, it is understood that they do not have to donate. Though there are considerable volunteers for this nonprofit, more coaches and instructors are always sought out to provide leadership as role models for the young swimmers.

Olympian and world record holder in the 1500-meter freestyle Kate Ziegler is a sponsor and has volunteered at this facility in Falls Church, Virginia. Paralympian qualifier Anna Johannes has also participated in the Nadar Por Vida Program. Kate and Anna would show proper technique and stressed hard work and dedication through swimming. These two are the types of role models Coach Lopez wants around these young swimmers. By working hard in school, swimming hard in practice and loving your parents, there will be success in the future.

Dennis D’Abbraccio is a senior freestyler for the Marymount Saints. He has trained with the Flanders Valley Swim and Tennis Club, Morris County Swim Club, Roxbury Racers and Roxbury Gaels Swimming prior to moving on to Marymount.

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