Courtesy: Buffalo City Swim Racers
BUFFALO, N.Y. – The Buffalo City Swim Racers (BCSR), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides free or low-cost swimming lessons to families in the City of Buffalo, has secured a two-year grant from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation (RCWJF) for a total of $290,000. The funds will enable BCSR to build its internal capacities and expand its programming.
“We are beyond grateful for the support of the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation,” commented Mike Switalski, founder and Executive Director of the BCSR. “As a sport, swimming is unique in that having the skills can be potentially life-saving. With this funding, we will increase our capacity to introduce swimming to many more youth and families in Buffalo.”
The grant follows BCSR completing a five-year strategic plan, which was conducted with financial support from RCWJF. In 2018, BCSR had a membership of 332 student swimmers residing within the City of Buffalo. Based on the new five-year plan, the organization aims to have a membership of over 1,200 by 2023, as well as expand its out-of-pool programming with a focus on academic development.
Research has found that formal swimming lessons reduce the likelihood of childhood drowning by 88%. However, 79% of children in households with incomes less than $50,000 have little-to-no swimming ability. “With our city surrounded by so many bodies of water, it’s critical that Buffalo families have the proper water safety and swimming skills,” continued Switalski. “Unfortunately, economic and cultural barriers have long prevented minority and low-income communities from developing these skills. We’re out to break that cycle.”
By providing swimming lessons to underserved communities, BCSR addresses safety, health, and behavior needs. BCSR coaches are trained, certified, and registered with USA Swimming and the American Swim Coaches Association. Youth who complete the learn-to-swim program have the opportunity to represent the BCSR competitive team at local swim meets, become lifeguards and/or swim instructors..
BCSR’s urban swim club model is unique within USA Swimming. Switalski will be presenting at the 2019 American Swim Coaches Association World Clinic held in Dallas, Texas, from September 3-9, 2019.
About the Buffalo City Swim Racers
Founded in 2012, the BCSR is a USA Swimming-registered swim club with a mission to make a positive impact in diverse communities by providing access to the sport of swimming. Youth members receive pool access, coaching, equipment, and more, at no or low cost. BCSR partners with numerous local organizations, including the Williams-Emslie Family YMCA, West Side Community Services, Kings Center Charter School, and Buffalo Public Schools. For more information, visit BuffaloRacers.org.