Indianapolis, Indiana – Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) is taking a significant step to address an urgent public safety and wellness need with the launch of a comprehensive K–12 swimming program designed to equip students with life-saving water skills while promoting fitness, confidence, and social engagement.
The initiative, supported by a $40,000 grant from Riley Children’s Health, is expected to serve more than 1,000 students in its first year. Leveraging underutilized district pools and partnerships with local organizations, the program aims to make swimming accessible to students of all ages, including those from economically underresourced communities and high-risk ZIP codes.
“Learning to swim is more than just a fun activity—it’s a vital life-saving skill that builds confidence, encourages healthy development, and gives children opportunities to be active and social,” said Stephannie Bailey, IPS Foundation chief executive officer. “Our partners are helping make this program a reality, giving IPS students the chance to gain these important skills while staying safe in and around water.”
The program is structured to meet the needs of students across all grade levels. Elementary school students will participate in partnerships with the Riviera Club, IU Natatorium, and Indy Parks, while middle school students will engage in both school-day sessions and Saturday programming. High school students will integrate swimming lessons into their physical education classes, providing a consistent, curriculum-based approach to aquatic education. IPS also operates two district pools that will serve as key educational resources for the program.
Set to launch in early October, IPS is currently finalizing class times and scheduling details. The program will roll out in stages: elementary partnerships and high school classes will begin in the fall of 2025, middle school programming will expand in spring 2026, and family engagement events, including community swim sessions, are planned for summer 2026.
Beyond teaching swimming, the program prioritizes building confidence, wellness, and family engagement. By targeting students from high-risk and underresourced communities, IPS seeks to provide equitable access to a skill that can save lives while fostering lifelong physical activity.
Family-oriented events will encourage parents and caregivers to participate alongside their children, strengthening community connections and promoting safe aquatic habits.
“With a goal of 80% basic swimming proficiency among participants, IPS is not just teaching students to swim—it’s giving them confidence, critical life skills, and a chance to thrive both in and out of the water,” said Kathy Langdon, the district’s physical education and health coordinator.
“This is just the beginning of something incredible for our students,” Langdon added. “Step by step, we are opening the door for more students to gain swimming skills that build confidence, promote safety, and create lifelong opportunities. I couldn’t be more excited to see this come to life in our district.”
The program builds on the success of a pilot initiative conducted last school year at Shortridge High School in partnership with the Riviera Club. The pilot engaged 43 students, with 76% reporting increased confidence in the water, 84% maintaining consistent participation, and 46% achieving water competency skills. These encouraging results provided a blueprint for scaling the program across the district and highlighted the benefits of structured, supportive swimming instruction.
In addition to life-saving skills, the IPS swimming program is expected to have far-reaching impacts on students’ health and well-being. Swimming promotes cardiovascular fitness, strengthens muscles, and enhances coordination, while also offering an inclusive and low-impact form of exercise suitable for students of varying abilities. Participation in the program also fosters teamwork, resilience, and social interaction, giving students additional tools to navigate both school and community life successfully.
By prioritizing access and inclusivity, IPS hopes to ensure that all students, regardless of background, have the opportunity to learn to swim and develop critical life skills. The initiative underscores the district’s commitment to safety, wellness, and personal development, providing a model for how schools can address practical needs while supporting students’ growth in multiple dimensions.
As the new program launches this fall, IPS administrators, teachers, and community partners are optimistic that the K–12 swimming initiative will not only teach students to swim but also instill confidence, safety awareness, and a love for physical activity that lasts a lifetime.
