# @americanredcross on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/C38NB1ms5fP
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/72590755-americanredcross-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/85e5b51900.jpg
- **Posted:** 2024-02-29T18:00:27.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** American Red Cross (@americanredcross) — https://gondola.cc/americanredcross

## Caption

After tragedy struck close to home, Rebekah Craig, a Red Cross certified swim instructor, stepped up to help end the cycle of intergenerational pain.

‘Miss Angel’ was a well-known and well-loved member of Rebekah’s neighborhood in Greenville, South Carolina. But while on a fishing trip with friends, Miss Angel slipped off the embankment of a pond and drowned. 

“She didn’t know how to swim and no one that was with her knew, either," Rebekah said. "I was heartbroken and frustrated. I could have taught her, even just the basics of how to save yourself.” 

Rebekah began to notice that lack of water competency was a trend in Greenville. She asked herself, “How are this many people in this city — specifically Black and brown people — in need of swim lessons?"

Research led Rebekah to learn about the history of her local Cleveland Park. It was home to a massive pool when recreational facilities were still segregated.

"When the law was passed in 1963 for these facilities to be desegregated, the city purchased sea lions and turned the pool into a marine land attraction instead," Rebekah said. "Black and brown people couldn't learn how to swim — they weren't allowed to."

With the help of her fellow swim instructors, Aqua Angels was born. The program, taught by volunteer instructors, breaks barriers of fear and creates a safe space for adults to learn how to swim for free or low cost.

"We’re providing a service to a historically marginalized community," Rebekah said. "It feels amazing to provide a service and meet a need that hasn’t been met. If I can teach a grandparent, mom or dad how to swim, it becomes a requirement to learn in their family.” 

Since its launch, the program has taught more than 15,000 people how to swim and about water safety. The Aqua Angels are now planning for spring lessons and classes are filling up fast.

“When I ask people why they trust us to teach them, they say, ‘It looks like my community," Rebekah said. "I feel humbled and super grateful."

We deeply appreciate the way Rebekah and the Aqua Angels live the Red Cross mission and make a lifesaving difference in their community every day. ❤️

#WaterSafety #SwimInstructor #BlackHistoryMonth

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## Tags

watersafety, swiminstructor, blackhistorymonth

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