Lifeguard Saves Lives with Encouragement
Some Belles cannot swim to save their lives. But, Bennett College has a new lifeguard sitting poolside changing and possibly saving some lives.
“Teaching Belles how to swim is encouraging. I like to be able to share my knowledge with others instead of keeping it to myself.”
Those are the words of Coach Thomas Kirkman, physical fitness instructor at Bennett College. Kirkman says encouraging and educating more students about swimming can help the black community.
“Teaching black youth how to swim helps remove some of the ignorance in the community. It’s empowering.”
The USA Swimming Foundation’s Make a Splash study highlights the racial disparity in kids not knowing how to swim, and the dangerous consequences. The study found nearly six out of 10 African American and Hispanic/Latino children are unable to swim. That number is nearly double that of Caucasian kids. The study also found that the youth drowning rate is about three times higher in ethnically diverse communities than the national drowning average for kids. The Make a Splash study found that the key indicator wasn’t race. It found that children from non-swimming households were eight times more likely to be at risk of drowning.
“It doesn’t surprise me that a lot of African American’s cannot swim. I know a lot of my friends never had a interest in it because they are afraid of deep water,” says Shanice Watts, freshwomen psychology major from Indianapolis, Ind.
Watts is considered a beginner in the class.
“I thought that this class would be challenging for me because I am learning how to swim.”
Students say Coach Kirkman’s encouraging ways makes it easier to learn how to swim.
“I love swimming. He is encouraging as a teacher. He makes you feel comfortable, and warms you up to get you to where you need to be,” says Alexis Days, a sophomore fashion merchandising major from Los Angeles, California.
Beyond hardcore instruction, Coach Kirkman understands that words are a big part of getting results.
“I know the power of words, encouragement, and criticism. I don’t have a whole lot of time for people who are critical. I believe in respect for others and yourself.”
The coach says he’s right at home at Bennett College. He says the students inspire him.
“My students success is my success. It blesses me to see them. I enjoy being here, I fit in, and people treat me well. I am at home,” says Kirkman.
Coach Kirkman shares why he’s so motivated to get students healthy.
“Because of my situation I know that there is hope. I was diagnosed with bladder cancer; 60 lbs. over weight, started working out went back to school. Now, I am cancer free, physically fit, and I strongly believe in spirit, soul, and body.”
Kirkman wants to leave the Bennett Community with this message.
“You can change whether someone succeeds or not. One word of encouragement can change the nation.”
By: Lydia Blanco
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