Swim Up Hill and National City Launch UN-Backed Learn-to-Swim Program in San Diego

LOS ANGELES - July 30, 2025 - PRLog -- A groundbreaking initiative is bringing the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals to life through swimming. Swim Up Hill Foundation, in collaboration with the National City School District and a coalition of global and local partners, has launched a district-wide learn-to-swim program for elementary students at Las Palmas Pool. The program marks a major step for health equity, public safety, and youth development in one of Greater San Diego's underserved areas.

Led by Paralympic medalist and UN Young Leader Jamal Hill, the initiative aligns with UN SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. It unites municipal leadership, international expertise, and local programming to deliver free swim lessons, certified staff training, and youth-focused storytelling. Delivery begins this summer, supported by Prevent Drowning Foundation of San Diego, Aqua by Delfino, Classroom Champions, and Ready, Set, Gold.

"This is what the Sustainable Development Goals look like in action," said Jamal Hill, founder of Swim Up Hill Foundation. "We're not just creating swim lessons—we're building global alignment, community trust, and youth empowerment, right here in National City."

Students across the National City School District will receive water safety instruction, while Las Palmas Pool staff will be certified in the Swim Up Hill method. A flagship training will be hosted at Town and Country Resort during Swim Up Hill's annual board retreat. A filmed feature exploring Olympic and UN legacy is underway.

This launch builds on the leadership of Superintendent Leah Brady, whose commitment to equity and whole-child development has made National City a model for transformation. "We've long believed that water safety should be accessible and inclusive," said Brady. "This partnership helps bring that vision to life."

With support from programs like Classroom Champions and Ready, Set, Gold, the initiative blends Olympic preparation, student engagement, and community resilience. It also opens new opportunities for collaboration among education, sport, and health organizations united around preventing drowning and promoting dignity through swimming.

Key milestones include swim lesson rollout, remote staff training with UN-aligned curriculum, and a filmed conversation with city leaders focused on SDG integration and educational impact.

This announcement is part of Swim Up Hill's All Roads Lead to LA28 campaign, advancing Olympic legacy through local partnerships.

To support the initiative, individuals and organizations can fund SDG-aligned school programs, sponsor storytelling, or join Swim Up Hill's network of partners promoting water safety and health equity.

To contribute or learn more, visit www.swimuphill.org

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