City highlights Big Easy Swim Easy program, free lessons and expanded pool openings for summer
May 22, 2026 | New Orleans City, Orleans Parish, Louisiana
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City health and recreation officials told the council the Big Easy Swim Easy initiative has delivered water‑safety outreach, free swim lessons and pool safety inspections and that the city is scaling up for the summer swim season.
Dr. Jennifer Agno (public health) and Taylor Bodwin (injury prevention) described the Consumer Product Safety Commission‑funded program, which runs from October 2024 through October 2026. The program pairs community education with swim lessons delivered in partnership with local nonprofit 18th Ward, and code‑enforcement pool inspections. City presenters reported roughly 723 swim‑lesson participants through the grant, nearly 1,600 community members reached by outreach events and a caregiver‑reported 94% improvement in swimming skills among lesson participants.
NORD CEO Larry Barabino said the recreation department plans to open its pools for the summer (soft opening May 30; official opening June 1) and will operate about 18 pools this season (five year‑round and 12 seasonal), add two new splash pads and continue lifeguard recruitment and training. Barabino said NORD has increased its lifeguard pipeline and anticipated a total staff of about 131 lifeguards once hires clear HR processes, which officials said will support expanded programming and safer access to swimming instruction.
Speakers emphasized equity and barriers: the program targets neighborhoods across the city, runs lessons in English and Spanish, and officials said transportation to lessons is a key remaining challenge (more students are on wait lists than lessons available). The health department said its summer media campaign will include bus ads, school banners and park signage to promote lessons and safety messages.
What happens next: The grant runs through October 2026; city and partner groups said they will pursue funding and partnerships to continue and expand swim-lesson capacity and consider transportation supports to reduce barriers.
Dr. Jennifer Agno (public health) and Taylor Bodwin (injury prevention) described the Consumer Product Safety Commission‑funded program, which runs from October 2024 through October 2026. The program pairs community education with swim lessons delivered in partnership with local nonprofit 18th Ward, and code‑enforcement pool inspections. City presenters reported roughly 723 swim‑lesson participants through the grant, nearly 1,600 community members reached by outreach events and a caregiver‑reported 94% improvement in swimming skills among lesson participants.
NORD CEO Larry Barabino said the recreation department plans to open its pools for the summer (soft opening May 30; official opening June 1) and will operate about 18 pools this season (five year‑round and 12 seasonal), add two new splash pads and continue lifeguard recruitment and training. Barabino said NORD has increased its lifeguard pipeline and anticipated a total staff of about 131 lifeguards once hires clear HR processes, which officials said will support expanded programming and safer access to swimming instruction.
Speakers emphasized equity and barriers: the program targets neighborhoods across the city, runs lessons in English and Spanish, and officials said transportation to lessons is a key remaining challenge (more students are on wait lists than lessons available). The health department said its summer media campaign will include bus ads, school banners and park signage to promote lessons and safety messages.
What happens next: The grant runs through October 2026; city and partner groups said they will pursue funding and partnerships to continue and expand swim-lesson capacity and consider transportation supports to reduce barriers.
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