NAU Launches Swim Buddies Program to Boost Water Safety in Flagstaff
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (April 4, 2025) – Northern Arizona University (NAU), in collaboration with Arizona Complete Health, has launched the NAU Swim Buddies program, aimed at providing crucial swimming skills to families in the Flagstaff community. The initiative seeks to address water safety concerns by offering swim lessons to parents and children,equipping them with potentially life-saving skills.
Community Collaboration Promotes Life-Saving Skills
The program is a joint effort between NAU Athletics, Arizona Complete Health, and the AquaJacks, a campus swim instruction team. NAU Swim and Dive student-athletes will also play a supportive role, offering encouragement to participants through weekly emails and attendance at select lessons.
Program Aims to Address Urgent Need for Water Safety Education
The NAU Swim Buddies program specifically targets elementary and junior high youth, and their parents or guardians, residing in the Sunnyside, Southside, La Plaza Vieja, and Upper & Lower Green neighborhoods. This focused approach ensures that resources are directed to areas where the need for water safety education is most acute.
Recognition and Rewards for Participants
Participants who complete the program will receive a Certificate of Completion and an NAU swim towel, recognizing their hard work and dedication to mastering essential swimming skills.
Statements of Support
“Positive and supportive engagement with the communities we serve, especially in our home community of Flagstaff is a key strategic priority for NAU…we are especially proud of this partnership with its focus on the wellbeing and safety of the parents and children who live here – teaching them essential life safety water skills,” said NAU President José Luis Cruz Rivera.
Interim Vice President for Intercollegiate athletics Uri Farkas noted the long-standing relationship with Arizona Complete Health, stating, “The partnership with Arizona Complete Health has always been strong and critical to NAU athletics, we are beyond grateful to team up on something so special and important to the Flagstaff community and look forward to watching the Swim Buddy program bring water safety education to Northern Arizona.”
Martha Smith, Arizona Complete Health Plan President, emphasized the program’s broader impact: “Our mission is transforming the health of the communities we serve, one person at a time. Healthy communities start with strong, healthy bodies and positive mindsets.The NAU Swim Buddy Program delivers on both by offering children and families an opportunity for exercise and critical water safety skills in a safe surroundings. We are so proud to sponsor this program.”
NAU AquaJacks to Offer Swim Lessons in March 2025
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — Northern Arizona University’s AquaJacks will provide swim lessons in March, offering water safety and swimming techniques to the community.
NAU Swim & Dive student-athletes will lead the lessons, focusing on positive encouragement and skill growth.
Essential Water Safety Skills Taught
The AquaJacks program emphasizes essential water safety skills and fundamental swimming techniques, taught by experienced NAU student-athletes to ensure a supportive learning environment.
Event Details
- Who: NAU AquaJacks
- What: Swim lessons led by NAU Swim & Dive student athletes
- When: Saturday mornings in March 2025
- Where: NAU Wall Aquatic Center
What level of swimming experience is required to participate in the NAU Swim Buddies programme?
NAU Swim Buddies Program: Your FAQs answered
Get the lowdown on NAU’s exciting new water safety initiative with these frequently asked questions!
Q&A
- What is the NAU Swim Buddies program?
- A collaborative program between Northern Arizona University (NAU),arizona Complete Health,and the AquaJacks aimed at teaching crucial swimming skills to families in Flagstaff,with a focus on water safety.
- Who is the program for?
- The program specifically targets elementary and junior high youth and their parents/guardians, particularly those residing in the Sunnyside, Southside, La Plaza Vieja, and Upper & Lower Green neighborhoods.
- Who is involved in the program?
- It’s a team effort! NAU Athletics, Arizona Complete Health, the AquaJacks (NAU’s campus swim instruction team), and NAU Swim & Dive student-athletes all contribute to the program’s success.
- Where are the swim lessons held?
- Swim lessons are held at the NAU Wall Aquatic center.
- What will participants learn?
- Participants will learn essential water safety skills and essential swimming techniques. Think of it as equipping them with life-saving knowledge!
- What do participants receive upon completion?
- Participants receive a Certificate of Completion and an NAU swim towel. Bragging rights and a cool towel, all in one!
- When are the swim lessons?
- Lessons are held on Saturday mornings in March 2025.
- Why is this program so important?
- The program addresses the urgent need for water safety education in the Flagstaff community, promoting healthy lifestyles and providing life-saving skills.
- How can I get involved?
- while specific registration details aren’t available in this article, keep an eye on NAU Athletics and Arizona Complete Health websites for future program updates and opportunities to participate. You may consider contacting NAU’s Athletics department to inquire about the program. Keep in mind that this program is aimed to families in specific neighborhoods, but there may be other opportunities to participate in NAU’s swim instruction programs in the future.
Ready to make a splash and learn valuable water safety skills? The NAU Swim Buddies program is a fantastic possibility to improve your family’s well-being and have some fun in the process!
