The Olympian Fortress Swim Academy is designed and dedicated to ensuring that all members feel confident and comfortable in the water. Taylor’s training is designed with an in-depth step by step skill development process. She is determined to ensure mental understanding of the body in water and skill knowledge. There are many individuals who are hesitant about water due to trauma or cultural misconceptions. Drowning is the 3rd leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths. Many initiatives have been started to  raise awareness that with the proper training the number of deaths associated with lack of swim techniques/knowledge would be reduced. It not only takes the right training but more importantly the right trainer. Taylor’s methods begin with building a relationship with the member to determine the needs and process that will be used to build confidence to break through the fear or hesitancy that may be present.

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       According to the American Red Cross, “ Ten people die each day from unintentional drowning, and on average 2 of them are under age 14. Drowning is responsible for more deaths among children ages one to four than any other cause except birth defects. Drowning is the leading cause of death in autism for children and adults. Children with autism spectrum disorder are 160 times more likely to experience nonfatal and fatal drowning than their typically developing peers. Among those 1-14, drowning is the second-leading cause of unintentional injury-related death behind motor vehicle crashes.For every child who dies from drowning, another five receive emergency care for nonfatal submersion injuries.” (American Red Cross Drowning Prevention & Facts, 2020) According to American Red Cross the statistics show that African-American children are at a higher risk due to lack of proficient swimming skills.

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64% of African-American, 45% of Hispanic/Latino, and 40% of Caucasian children have few to no swimming skills.

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When parents have no/low swimming skills (or competence) ability, their children are unlikely to have proficient swimming skills.

 

This affects:

78% of African-American children

62% of Hispanic/Latino children

67% of Caucasian children

African-American children ages 5 to 19 drown in swimming pools at rates 5.5 times higher than those of Caucasian children in the same age range.

79% of children in households with incomes less than $50,000 have few-to-no swimming skills.

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These statistics are going to be utilized within the framework of this company by ensuring that African-American children are receiving the necessary swim training that is required to better their chances of not only survival in the water but enjoyment of a sport and amenity.

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To accomplish this goal, The Olympian Fortress Swim Academy will begin in Central Florida and within 3 to 5 years the company will expand within Florida. Within 10 years the company plans to become a franchise ensuring that all individuals especially African-Americans will have a refuge to overcome fears, to master skills, to develop mastery within the water.