Back in 2012, we envisioned an avenue to giveback to our local community of Baton Rouge, but we weren't quite sure what that would look like. As creatives and musicians by trade, our natural inclination was to lean more towards serving our community in those respective fields. Literally, out of no where, "swimming lessons" just kind of popped up. At the time, we knew how to swim well enough for ourselves, but faciliting swimming lessons was a whole other thing!

Once swimming lessons piqued our interest, we then began to do research and stumbled upon some stats that floored us. According to a study conducted by USA Swimming, 70% of minority children do not know how to swim. This issue even extends beyond race with the startling statistic that about 10 people drown daily with at least two of those victims being children. Upon becoming aware of these hard truths, we were left with two options: either do nothing or figure out a way to bring change in this area. We chose the latter and the rest you can say is history!  

We're not only teaching an essential lifeskill with our swimming lessons, we are also instilling confidence that transcends for beyond the pool! Swimming is the greatest fear most Tankproof enrollees. We teach that if they can conquer their greatest fear, then when many of them go back to school in the fall, science will be no problem, social studies will be no problem, math will be a breeze, etc. Confidence is contagious!

-The Thomas Brothers

Growing from 50 children in 2012 to nearly 350 children in 2016, the Thomas Brothers told 2017 they will be aiming to reach 500 children here in Baton Rouge. Help me support this project and our community here in Baton Rouge!!