The program is one of several initiatives organized by the Lowell Police Youth Services Program, which seeks to create opportunities for all city youth. The program oversees after-school activities, athletics, and other ventures that emphasize health and wellness. The Lowell Recreation Department, which also provides swimming lessons to about 200 Lowell youth, provided kickboards and guidance to the program.
"There are so many waterways in the Lowell area that kids and families have access to, but there aren't always lifeguards to protect everyone, so we were interested in doing something with Lowell Police to address this issue," says Richard Sullivan, who worked with Collier on the MIT Police Department. "We were only able to have 50 kids in the program this year, but we are looking to expand this Learn to Swim program more next year. If we save one life through this program, the value will far outweigh the cost."
Sullivan said the Collier Memorial Fund's donation to the program was made in honor of
Worcester Police Officer Enmanuel "Manny" Familia
, who drowned on June 4, 2021, while trying to save three children who were struggling in a lake.
"I am grateful to our incredible community partners at the Collier Memorial Fund and the Department of Conservation and Recreation for supporting our efforts to help teach Lowell youth to swim and enjoy the water safely," says Interim Police Superintendent Barry Golner. "This program enabled children to learn to swim, while also socializing with other youth, experiencing positive interactions with police officers, and building confidence in themselves."
Candy Osorio, the mother of several participating children, learned about the free swimming program when the police department advertised it on Facebook. Program staff helped schedule her children, ages 11 and 9, at a convenient time.
