LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Black swim instructors were celebrated at the Roots 101 museum on Wednesday.
Since 2018, the Central Adult Learn-to-Swim program has worked to provide barrier-free access for aquatic programs. It is located at Central High School, which has a 25-yard swimming pool for laps.
The group honored that history and the more than 500 graduates who have been through the program.
Necolle Banks was one of those graduates.
She became the first Black swim coach with Lakeside Swim Club in their nearly 100 year history.
"I started to learn to swim at the age of 43," Banks said. "And honestly, I just fell in love with it, I wanted to give back to the community and have people be able to look and have an instructor that looks like them. And I can relate to them."
She said the most important thing about teaching adult swimmers is to make sure they're comfortable.
After people are comfortable in the water, she said it becomes fun and relaxing.
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