PRESS/ARTICLES

Articles

Finding Refuge in the Water

An innovative USMS Adult Learn-to-Swim program helps recent immigrants and Muslim women thrive in Minnesota

Adult Learn-to-Swim Program Aims for Safety—and Joy—in Water

Cheers rang out from the deep end of Blake’s swimming pool one spring Saturday afternoon. At only her second lesson, a new swimmer had just swum the entire length of the pool, and her instructors didn’t hold back their enthusiasm.

From fear to a fantastic feeling

One woman’s desire to learn how to swim has blossomed into a life-changing opportunity for Muslim women throughout the Twin Cities. It’s a moving testimonial to friendship, empowerment, sharing, healing, and community.

Making peace with the water

Ayan’s heart-wrenching story is all-too familiar to the Muslim community. 

Ayan was born into a well-known business family in Mogadishu, the Somalia capital. By Somali standards, her family was more progressive. When Ayan’s young mother found herself in a difficult marriage, she divorced her then-husband and moved in with Ayan’s grandmother. Ayan was only a year old.

Reaching new goals

Walking into the pool area during a new swimming lesson group for Muslim women and girls is stepping into a sanctuary. Permission must be granted. 

The Origin of our Women-Only Program

It all started with one woman’s dream of finding a private space where Muslim women could learn to swim.

We had no idea what a life-changing experience this would be for swimmers and coaches alike, as fears were faced and water became a place of safety, peace and healing.