15-year anniversary of Red River drowning highlights want for swimming classes, particularly in African American group

SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) – Aug. 2, 2010 is a day that many within the ArkLaTex will always remember.

On that morning fifteen years in the past, six African American youngsters’ lives had been taken after they drowned within the Red River in Shreveport. The teenagers had been recognized as La’Tevin “Big” Stewart, Le’Darius “Darius” Stewart, Litrelle “Chuckie” Stewart, Takeitha Nicora Lishay Warner, JaTavius Tyron Warner, and JaMarcus Devontavius Warner.

It’s an incident that shocked the group.

“Nobody expects to wake up and find out that three of their kids are gone. It’s a tough thing.”

The loss of life of these six youngsters led to elevated requires extra water security consciousness and swimming training.

Fast ahead to 2025. Kristy Anaya provides swimming classes to younger children within the African American group in Shreveport. The hope is that this can assist forestall one other tragic day like that August morning 15 years in the past.

VIDEO: Remembering the Shreveport Six; 15 years since tragic drowning in Red River

“Overall that experience was definitely a wakeup call. It opened up some opportunities for places to have different programs and for people to swim, so overall I do think there has been an awakening of people wanting to learn because people don’t want that to happen,” Anaya mentioned.

Many individuals have heard the stereotype that African Americans are afraid of the water and might’t swim. Anaya says there’s a purpose for that.

“Back in the day, having access to a swimming pool was not for everyone. It was much more common for rich people or the status of the country club, so I feel like alot of that stigma is still true,” Anaya mentioned.

According to the CDC, African American youngsters between the ages of 10 and 14 are seven and a half extra instances prone to drown that white youngsters.

Anaya’s college students say studying the way to swim isn’t just for enjoyment, but in addition for their very own security.

“One time when I was swimming to my mom, I can hold my breath much longer,” Brooklyn Bradford mentioned.

Anaya says it boils right down to training and entry, and with that, many younger lives could be saved.

If you have an interest in signing your youngsters up for swimming classes, you may attain out to Anaya at Omni Aquatics at 786-503-2811.

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