The Iota Omicron Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., in partnership with Columbia Parks & Recreation and the Greenview Dolphins USA Swim Team, will host its annual Swim 1922 Water Safety Day and free swim lessons on Saturday, June 6, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Greenview Park, located at 6700 David Street in Columbia.
The free community event is open to both adults and children and will feature water safety education, water rescue tips, and free swim lessons designed to strengthen confidence and overall swimming ability. Former Olympic swimmer and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority member Maritza Correia-McClendon will attend the event to share her expertise and encourage participants.
Coach Stanley McIntosh and the Greenview Dolphins USA Swim Team have partnered with the Iota Omicron Sigma Chapter and the local Swim 1922 initiative since 2018. McIntosh, who began coaching the Greenview Dolphins in 1977, has spent decades mentoring youth through swimming and life lessons.
“Swim 1922 is more than a program — it is a life-saving initiative that empowers families and strengthens our community through education and access,” said Charlene Slaughter, president of the Iota Omicron Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. “We are proud to continue our partnership with Coach McIntosh and the Greenview Dolphins Swim Team to ensure children and adults alike have the opportunity to learn essential water safety and swimming skills. Every person deserves the confidence and safety that comes with knowing how to swim.”
Swim 1922 was created to address the alarming statistics surrounding water safety and drowning prevention. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 10 people drown every day in the United States. Additionally, studies show that 70 percent of African American children and 60 percent of Hispanic children in the U.S. do not know how to swim, while African American children are three times more likely to drown than Caucasian children.
Through Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority’s national partnership with USA Swimming, the Swim 1922 campaign works to reduce these disparities by teaching communities essential swimming and water safety skills. Since its launch, the program has directly impacted nearly 20,000 individuals and continues to serve communities nationwide during the months of May through August. Registration for the event is available at https://eventpasshero.com/event/iosswimsafety2026/.