# @americanredcross on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/C8NEsIAPwug
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/72589968-americanredcross-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/c511b1fbba.jpg
- **Posted:** 2024-06-14T17:20:15.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** American Red Cross (@americanredcross) — https://gondola.cc/americanredcross

## Caption

Will Coleman is an aquatics all-star who has supported our lifesaving mission since 2005. But it was one specific experience from his childhood that sparked his interest in water safety.

When Will was about 14 years old, he and his cousin were swimming in a public pool when an emergency happened.

“My cousin couldn’t move anymore, and he asked me to help him,” Will said. I tried to push him closer to the wall, but it wasn’t working, so I started calling for the lifeguard.”

The lifeguard jumped in and got his cousin out of the water to safety.
“I thought it was heroic,” Will said. “But at the same time, I felt bad because I couldn’t help.”

Will now has nearly 20 years of experience in his field and is now a Red Cross Water Safety Instructor, Lifeguard Instructor, and head lifeguard at the Philadelphia Recreation Center. Will is also a dad, and he's dedicated to keeping kids safe around the water.

“I would encourage parents to go to a professional to teach their kids how to swim,” Will said. “It will help them get more comfortable and confident in the water and break that fear.”

Will’s passion for water safety extends beyond his professional life. He graduated from Cheyney University in May, where he received a Recreation Management Degree and supported the school's swim program. He also traveled with other Historically Black Colleges and Universities to a swim meet focused on diversity in aquatics.

We are so proud of amazing instructors like Will, who are dedicated to making more people comfortable and confident swimmers. 🫶🏾

#WaterSafety #Lifeguarding #SwimmingSafety #PoolSafety #LearnToSwim

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 248
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- **Comments:** 4

## Tags

learntoswim, lifeguarding, swimmingsafety, poolsafety, watersafety

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