News Summary

In Lake Charles, Louisiana, AJ Schlang, a senior at St. Louis Catholic High School, is passionately teaching swimming to children with special needs. His initiative stems from his love for the water and a desire to support kids facing challenges in learning to swim. By offering free lessons, Schlang is making significant strides in helping these children gain confidence and develop essential swimming skills. His work not only addresses a crucial need in the community but also promotes safety and joy in water activities for children with varying abilities.

Lake Charles Swimmer Takes the Plunge to Teach Kids with Special Needs

There’s a wave of excitement in Lake Charles, Louisiana, as a talented young swimmer named AJ Schlang is making a splash in his community. A senior at St. Louis Catholic High School, Schlang is dedicated to helping children with special needs learn the fundamental skill of swimming. It’s a passionate endeavor that stems not only from his love for the water but also his awareness of the challenges many kids face when it comes to swimming.

A Journey of Self-Discovery

AJ Schlang has been honing his competitive swimming skills for most of his life. His journey took an unexpected turn a few years ago during a school project where he discovered his flair for teaching. With a mother who previously offered swim lessons, Schlang initially assisted her, gaining invaluable experience in teaching kids of all ages. After a year of working with the SPAR program teaching swim lessons to children, he realized something crucial—there was a clear need for more specialized instructions, especially for kids with varying abilities.

Understanding Unique Needs

Identifying this gap in swimming education, Schlang began focusing on kids who may be slightly less enthusiastic or even fearful of the water. Learning how to adapt his teaching methods to suit each individual child has become one of his top priorities. He firmly believes that every child is unique, especially when it comes to a skill as daunting as swimming. His dedication has led him to acquire specialized skills aimed at supporting these children as they engage with water in a safe and enjoyable manner.

Making Waves of Change

Remarkable stories are pouring in from parents whose children have benefited from Schlang’s swimming lessons. One standout success story involves a child who was terrified of even dipping their head underwater. Fast forward just a week into lessons, and that same child was confidently jumping off the diving board! These heartwarming transformations highlight how effective Schlang’s approach can be.

The Importance of Swimming Skills

According to the American Red Cross, there are over 4,000 unintentional drowning deaths every year in the United States, which translates to an alarming average of 11 fatalities each day. In the picturesque region of Southwest Louisiana, where waterways abound, Schlang emphasizes that learning to swim isn’t just a fun pastime—it’s a crucial skill everyone should possess. Moreover, he points out the heightened risk of drowning faced by children with special needs, particularly those with Down syndrome and autism, many of whom lack proper swimming instruction.

Giving Back to the Community

Schlang’s dedication is even more impressive considering he offers these specialized swimming classes free of charge to school-aged children. Yes, you read that right! He believes strongly in ensuring that every child, regardless of their circumstances, should have access to quality swimming instruction. The mission here is not only to teach swimming but also to instill a sense of confidence and joy in the water.

The Future Looks Bright

As AJ Schlang pieces together his plans for the future, he is eager to expand these free swimming classes, reaching out to even more children in the Lake Charles community. His focus will continue to be on those who may require additional support, as he strives to bring the thrill of swimming to all. With a vision like his and an admirable mission, AJ Schlang is undoubtedly setting the stage for a wave of positive change in swimming education for children with special needs.

In a world where swimming is often regarded as a leisurely activity, Schlang’s efforts stand as a vital reminder of the power of safety, confidence, and community. One splash at a time, he is creating ripples that could one day help save lives.

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