This year marks the third consecutive year we've conducted the TankProof giveback! For all who don't know, the TankProof giveback focuses on providing swimming lessons to the children of the inner city of Baton Rouge. Most of these kids would otherwise not be able to afford swimming lessons and we're happy that we could partner with RocketKidz Foundation and Crawfish Aquatics to help spread the word and give these kids the gift of swimming.
Today began very smoothly and with a slight overcast, the heat was not a huge issue as compared to days past. As the sun started to peek from behind the clouds, the crystal clear pool seemed to give us an offer we couldn't refuse. As the kids started to file in, we noticed an odd sense of calm compared to the usual chaos that occurs the first day of swim lessons. When asked what the atmosphere is usually like on the first day, we like to reference the opening scene of "Saving Private Ryan"! There's usually always screaming with the slight chance of occasional barfing due to nervousness.
Today offered a special surprise with NBA player and Baton Rouge native, Brandon Bass paying the kids a visit. The normal flow of a session usually allows snack time with a speaker to share with the kids some encouraging words of support. Today, Brandon offered those words and his unique story. While almost drowning while he was young, Bass finally decided to take the brave step to learn how to swim…last year! It's always a great confidence builder for the young ones to see older individuals learning this important life skill.
With today being Day One and the kickoff for one of the two session being held this summer, it will definitely go down in history as the smoothest first day we've experienced thus far! We are super excited to see the progression of these kids that will take place in the next eight days and we'll keep you posted along the way.