Brooklyn Center’s swim lessons program wins national equity recognition

Brooklyn Center Parks and Recreation says its Reciprocal Swim Lessons program has earned national recognition from the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) as the 2026 Innovation in Equity Award for Brooklyn Center, Minnesota.

NRPA announced the award recipients May 20, 2026, and Brooklyn Center highlighted the news in a June 23, 2026 update.

What the Reciprocal Swim Lessons program provides

In the city’s description, the program offers free swim instruction for students at Brooklyn Center Middle/Senior High School during and after the school day. Brooklyn Center says transportation and swim gear are also provided at no cost, including swimsuits, goggles, and swim caps, along with instruction.

The “reciprocal teaching” model

Brooklyn Center says the program’s unique element is a “reciprocal teaching” model: students support and encourage one another while learning under the supervision of certified Water Safety Instructors. The city frames the approach as building teamwork, communication skills, and confidence—while also developing water-safety experience.

What the city says it has seen so far

Across the 2025 spring and fall sessions, Brooklyn Center says 38 students participated, “most” of whom entered with little or no prior swim experience. The city also says participants reported significant increases in water confidence after completing the program.

The city says the program was intentionally created to address national drowning disparities that disproportionately affect Black, Hispanic, immigrant, multilingual, and low-income youth.

Brooklyn Center also says the program creates aquatics employment opportunities. The city reports that nine students have since been hired into Brooklyn Center Parks and Recreation aquatics positions, where they are working toward certifications as lifeguards and Water Safety Instructors. Brooklyn Center adds that several participants have already earned certifications and now help mentor newer students entering the program.

What’s next for the award recognition

NRPA will formally recognize Brooklyn Center during the 2026 NRPA Annual Conference in Philadelphia this September.

Why this matters locally

For Brooklyn Center residents and families, the city’s pitch is practical: the program aims to make water-safety instruction more accessible by covering common barriers like transportation and gear. And by using a reciprocal, youth-led learning model—paired with a documented pathway into aquatics roles—the city positions the program as both a safety initiative and a youth opportunity pipeline.

Sources

• City of Brooklyn Center — News post: Reciprocal Swim Lessons national award
• NRPA — Press room: Innovation and Spotlight Awards (Innovation in Equity Award recipients)
• Minnesota Recreation & Park Association (MRPA) — Awards of Excellence / Award opportunities hub