Out of a 2011 tragedy, CRC’s “I CAN SWIM!” project and scholarship program was born.

It was a beautiful day two years ago, and 10 year old Cameron Jeff, and his brother Bryce (age 8) went to play near a neighbor’s backyard pool. Unfortunately, they did not know how to swim and did not surface after going under the water.

Spearheaded by their parents, the “I CAN SWIM!” project aims to give meaning to Cameron and Bryce’s heartbreaking deaths, and prevent it from happening to others.

The “I CAN SWIM!” project is American Red Cross instruction designed to help swimmers of all ages begin, develop and refine their swimming skills. It teaches swimming and water safety and helps children and adults to be safe in and around the water – regardless of the ability to pay. Here’s how the scholarship program works: those 4-17 can earn a pool membership by completing one session of swim lesson classes. When taking “I CAN SWIM!” lessons at any CRC pool (except Dunham – Otto Armleder), you are asked to pay more if you can, less if you can’t.

All CRC pools are open this summer and you can go to the pool of your choice to register for “I CAN SWIM!” lessons. 

Please visit the Pools & Aquatics section of this site to see an interview with Barbara Jeff, mother of Cameron and Bryce, and Jincey Yemaya, CRC Aquatics Director.