In an effort to enhance water safety and accessibility, Phillips 66 has partnered with the Fort Lupton Recreation Center and other local organizations to provide financial aid for swimming programs. This initiative aims to assist families facing economic challenges by offering scholarships for swimming lessons. Through collaborations with municipalities and non-profits, the program focuses on drowning prevention and promoting essential water safety skills among youth. Joisan Skrocki, aquatics coordinator at Fort Lupton Recreation, shares her personal story of overcoming a near-drowning incident as a child, which inspired her career in teaching swimming. The program not only benefits children but also extends to adult learners, fostering confidence and safety in the water.

Details of the Phillips 66 Swim Safety Program

In the heart of Colorado, during a season marked by vibrant landscapes and crisp air, Phillips 66 launched an ambitious outreach program designed to improve water safety across multiple communities. Partnering with institutions such as the Fort Lupton Recreation Center, the Town of Windsor, Thompson Parks and Recreation, and the City of Greeley, this initiative seeks to broaden access to swimming lessons for families who may otherwise face financial barriers.

Megan M. Hartman, Director of Gulf Coast Public Affairs at Phillips 66, emphasized the company's commitment to community well-being through this program. Originating from a partnership with the City of Greeley last year, the program's success prompted its expansion to neighboring areas. With a focus on drowning prevention, the initiative offers scholarships that ensure children acquire vital swimming skills and water safety knowledge.

Joisan Skrocki, whose passion for teaching stems from a childhood near-drowning experience, highlights the importance of these lessons. At the Fort Lupton Recreation Center, where swimming classes have been offered for nearly two decades, the program has grown significantly under Skrocki’s leadership. From humble beginnings with just a few instructors, it now boasts four dedicated professionals providing extensive sessions. The center caters not only to young learners but also to adults seeking private or semi-private lessons, proving that age is no barrier to acquiring new skills.

This outreach effort addresses both practical and emotional concerns, helping parents overcome financial hurdles while encouraging homeschoolers to include swimming in their curriculum. By investing in water safety education today, Phillips 66 envisions nurturing future talents, perhaps even Olympians, within these communities.

From a journalist's perspective, this collaboration exemplifies how corporate responsibility can align seamlessly with societal needs. Programs like these demonstrate the power of partnerships between businesses, local governments, and community organizations in addressing critical issues such as drowning prevention. They remind us that initiatives driven by compassion and foresight can create lasting impacts, empowering individuals and strengthening communities one stroke at a time.