The Urgent Need for Swimming Education in Paulding County, Georgia

Learning how to swim is a basic life skill that should be accessible to everyone, yet in Paulding County, Georgia, a significant portion of the population remains vulnerable to water-related accidents due to a lack of swimming ability. With a population of approximately 180,000 people, 30% of whom are under the age of 18, Paulding County has alarmingly high rates of water-related incidents that result in emergency room visits. This report explores the critical need for accessible swimming education in Paulding County, highlights the challenges faced by the community, and proposes actionable solutions to address the issue.

Paulding County’s Water-Related Accident Crisis

Despite being a relatively small county within Georgia—a state with over 11 million residents—Paulding County accounts for the highest percentage of water-related accidents leading to hospital visits in the entire state. Data collected from the local health department, law enforcement agencies, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirm this troubling trend. Paulding County's rate of water-related accidents not only exceeds state averages but also surpasses national averages in terms of swimming proficiency.

According to the American Red Cross, 54% of Americans cannot swim well enough to save themselves in an emergency. In Paulding County, this figure is even higher, with approximately 63% of the population lacking adequate swimming skills. The lack of swimming proficiency among residents is a critical factor contributing to the county's disproportionate number of water-related accidents. These incidents often lead to severe outcomes, including injury, long-term disability, or death—especially among children and adolescents.

A Community with Limited Resources: The Swimming Pool Shortage

One of the most significant barriers to improving swimming skills in Paulding County is the severe lack of accessible swimming facilities. As of 2023, all county-owned swimming pools have been closed, leaving only one public pool in the entire county: Rountree Recreation. Owned by Cheryl Rountree, this facility is unique in that it offers both indoor and outdoor pools, providing the only year-round swimming option available to the public in Paulding County. Rountree Recreation also offers swimming lessons and competitive swim teams for elementary and middle school students, filling a crucial gap left by the county's closed pools.

Cheryl Rountree’s commitment to swim education in Paulding County began over a decade ago when she recognized the dire need for accessible swimming programs. She invested her own resources to build and maintain the only public pool in the area, creating a safe space for children and adults to learn this essential life skill. Despite her efforts, the demand far outweighs the available resources, and many residents remain unable to access swimming lessons due to distance, cost, or lack of awareness.

The Impact on High School Swim Teams

The lack of swimming facilities extends beyond recreational needs, affecting the county's high school swim teams as well. Paulding County has five high schools, most of which have swim teams that lack on-campus pools. As a result, these teams are forced to travel to neighboring Cobb County, which boasts six county-owned pools. Cobb County charges non-resident fees for Paulding County swimmers, adding an additional financial burden on families and schools already struggling to support their teams.

This situation not only creates logistical challenges but also puts Paulding County athletes at a disadvantage compared to their peers in other counties with better resources. The lack of a regulation-size pool in Paulding County means that swim teams have limited opportunities to train locally, often resulting in fewer practice hours, increased travel costs, and reduced competitive readiness. This not only affects the performance of the swim teams but also diminishes the overall appeal of swimming as a sport for young athletes.

Efforts to Secure Funding and Expand Facilities

Recognizing the dire need for improved swimming facilities, Cheryl Rountree has made several attempts to collaborate with the Paulding County Commissioners to secure funding through the county’s Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) program. SPLOST funds are typically allocated to county-approved programs, such as baseball, soccer, and football, which already receive substantial financial support. However, swimming programs have been consistently overlooked, despite the demonstrated need and the willingness of local leaders like Coach Rountree to address the problem.

If successful in securing SPLOST funds, Rountree Recreation could expand its current facilities to include a regulation 25-meter pool. This expansion would not only accommodate the high school swim teams but also provide additional space for swimming lessons and community programs. Coach Rountree envisions a partnership with local elementary schools that would ensure every child in Paulding County receives basic swim instruction as part of their education. Such a program could dramatically reduce the number of water-related accidents and empower the next generation with a crucial life skill.

The Socioeconomic Implications of Swimming Education

Swimming is not just a recreational activity; it is a life skill that can prevent accidents and save lives. The socioeconomic implications of swimming education extend beyond individual safety, impacting the broader community's health and well-being. Children and adults who do not know how to swim are at increased risk of drowning, one of the leading causes of unintentional injury-related deaths in the United States, particularly among children aged 1 to 14. The financial costs of emergency response, medical treatment, and long-term care for drowning victims can place a significant burden on families and healthcare systems.

Moreover, limited access to swimming facilities often disproportionately affects low-income families and communities of color, who may face additional barriers to accessing private pools, swim lessons, or transportation to distant facilities. In Paulding County, where public resources for swimming are scarce, these disparities are further exacerbated, leaving vulnerable populations at even greater risk. Expanding access to swimming education and facilities would not only address a critical safety issue but also promote equity and inclusivity within the community.

The Case for Making Swimming a Core Component of Education

The benefits of swimming extend beyond safety, contributing to physical fitness, mental health, and overall quality of life. Swimming is an excellent form of exercise that promotes cardiovascular health, improves muscle tone, and enhances flexibility. It is also a low-impact activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities, making it an ideal lifelong fitness option. For children, learning to swim builds confidence, encourages social interaction, and provides a foundation for participation in other aquatic sports.

Incorporating swimming into the school curriculum as a mandatory skill would ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn how to swim, regardless of their family's financial situation or access to private lessons. Schools are uniquely positioned to reach large numbers of children and can play a pivotal role in reducing the incidence of water-related accidents. A school-based swimming program in Paulding County would not only teach essential skills but also foster a culture of water safety that extends to families and the broader community.

Community Advocacy and the Path Forward

Addressing the swimming crisis in Paulding County requires a concerted effort from local government, community organizations, schools, and residents. Advocacy for increased funding and support for swimming programs is essential to create lasting change. Community members can get involved by attending county commission meetings, supporting initiatives that prioritize water safety, and raising awareness about the importance of swimming education.

Local businesses and philanthropic organizations also have a role to play in supporting swim programs through sponsorships, donations, and partnerships. Investment in swimming facilities and education is an investment in the community’s health and future. By working together, Paulding County can overcome the current challenges and build a safer environment for all residents.

Conclusion

Swimming is a basic life skill that everyone should have the opportunity to learn, yet in Paulding County, access to swimming education is severely limited. The county’s high rates of water-related accidents underscore the urgent need for improved facilities, funding, and community support for swimming programs. With the dedicated efforts of individuals like Cheryl Rountree and the potential for collaborative partnerships, Paulding County can address this critical issue and provide its residents with the skills they need to stay safe in and around water.

Investing in swimming education is not just about preventing accidents; it is about empowering a community, promoting health and fitness, and ensuring that every child has the chance to learn a skill that could one day save their life. Paulding County has the opportunity to set a new standard for water safety, one that prioritizes the well-being of its residents and recognizes swimming as the essential life skill that it truly is. By supporting swimming education, Paulding County can make a lasting impact, transforming a community at risk into a community that thrives in and around water.