Diversifying the landscape of aquatics and it begins with you…
one client at a time.
BIG WAVE SWIM ACADEMY DOESN’T STOP AT JUST SWIMMING LESSONS. WE STRIVE TO NURTURE THE BODY AND MIND THROUGH WATER FITNESS AND YOGA. IT IS OUR CORE BELIEF THAT WATER IS HEALING.
Kalyea Terrell, Instructor
SAFETY AND POSITIVITY
No one should ever be met with barriers to high-quality affordable swim lessons and water safety knowledge.
We are shining a light on the lack of minority resources regarding water sports, safety, and access to water recreation. This is accomplished in part by crushing that uncomfortable feeling of being the only minority person in the pool Big Wave Swim Academy links historical figures and events to our instruction, all while encouraging community fellowship through resources and small group activities. Our results are fueled by positivity and support for our participants.
WE OFFER A DIVERSE
ARRAY OF SERVICES
Swim Lessons for Various Age Groups
Parent and child swim lessons
Private lifeguard services
CPR group training
WHY SWIM SAFETY IS IMPORTANT?
3,960 people die due to drowning in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
That’s about 11 people a day.
According to a study commissioned by the USA Swimming Foundation and done by researchers at the University of Memphis, 64% of Black children in the United States can’t swim (compared to 40% of white children), and they are almost six times more likely to drown in a swimming pool than white children.
DIVERSITY IN THE POOL
Racial disparities in aquatics are rooted in historical and socioeconomic factors, lack of representation, and systemic racism. Our primary goal is to tackle the need for more diversity in swimming and provide everyone with access to the tools they need to be safe!
MEET YOUR WATER INSTRUCTOR
Kalyea Terrell is a college junior at Texas Women’s University (TWU). She is a Business Entrepreneurship major with a love for swimming that is always at the forefront of her endeavors.
Kalyea started her journey with the water at a very young age, actively swimming throughout her adolescence and transitioning into competitive swimming in high school.
She took her talents to the University of Hawaii at Manoa where she was introduced to the field of swim instruction, various aquatic terrain, and environments. While she always knew she had a passion for swimming, it wasn’t until she became an instructor that she realized how much it meant to her. Kalyea has taught water safety for 6 consecutive years, specializing in all ages.
Her excitement for imparting water safety knowledge to others has now turned to a greater mission; helping underserved and minority communities to break down barriers in educating them on water safety and dispelling stereotypes. The largest being, Black Americans not swimming, being framed as a cultural caricature. Big Wave Swim, is answering the question;
Why is it harder for black people to swim?
It's not. These types of unfounded stereotypes serve to uphold barriers that have kept communities of color from the joys of water activities for years. Kalyea and Big Wave Swim are tackling this…one student and family at a time!
MORE THAN JUST SWIM LESSONS
Big Wave Swim Academy was the recipient of a grant from Manifest Your Purpose to further our efforts in swim safety disparity. We also partner with nonprofit organizations to certify teen girls in CPR first and AED training.
