PHOTOS: Lowell Police, State Police and DCR Team Up to Offer Free Swimming Lessons with Support from the Officer Sean A. Collier Memorial Fund

Lowell Police Officer Christine Larocque helps a young man as he learns to float in the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Raymond Lord Memorial Swimming Pool on Fletcher Street. Lowell Police Officers were joined by members of the Massachusetts State Police Dive Team and Lifeguards as they taught approximately 75 kids from Lowell to swim this week. The program is sponsored by the Officer Sean A. Collier Memorial Fund, in memory of fallen Worcester Police Officer Enmanuel “Manny” Familia and drowning victims statewide, and the Office of Grants and Research’s Shannon Community Safety Initiative. (Photo Courtesy Lowell Police Department)

LOWELL — Superintendent Greg Hudon is pleased to report that Lowell Police Department officers teamed up with the Massachusetts State Police Dive Team and Lifeguards from the Department of Conservation and Recreation to offer free swimming lessons to 75 Lowell youth this week.

Thanks to support from the Officer Sean A. Collier Memorial Fund and the Office of Grants and Research’s Shannon Community Safety Initiative, this is the fourth year that Lowell Police Youth Services and law enforcement partners have offered free swimming lessons to youth in an effort to prevent drownings. The Collier Fund supports the program in honor of fallen Worcester Police Officer Enmanuel “Manny” Familia and other drowning victims. Officer Familia drowned in 2021 while trying to save a drowning child.

The lessons were provided to youth ages 6 to 16 in three sessions per weekday from July 14 to July 25.

During the program, youth are partnered with swim instructors and taught to be cautious but comfortable in the water, as well as how to float, swim, and play safely in pools. Nearly 200 children have participated in the program since its inception four years ago.

This year the State Police Dive Team also performed a demonstration for students, with a member of the team suiting up and diving under the waters of the pool while discussing safety measures with youth.

“Lowell, like many cities, has seen too many water-related tragedies in past years, so we are passionate about helping ensure every child in our community has an opportunity to learn to swim,” said Superintendent Hudon. “This basic skill isn’t just fun. It can be a lifesaver.”

“The Officer Sean A. Collier Memorial Fund is proud to support such an important safety program for the City of Lowell’s Youth, and one which also remembers the sacrifice of Officer Manny Familia,” said Officer Sean Collier’s stepfather, Joe Rogers.

“Troopers care deeply about the safety of our communities, and we appreciate the opportunity to contribute to the success of this important water safety program,” said Massachusetts State Police Colonel Geoffrey Noble. “The Dive Team knows from experience that swim lessons prevent drownings and provide young people with the skills needed to enjoy beaches, lakes, and pools safely for the rest of their lives. As a Department, this program also means a great deal to us because it honors the memory of Officers Sean Collier and Enmanuel Familia, two extraordinary public servants who gave their lives in the service of others. We appreciate our partners at the Lowell Police Department, DCR, and the Collier Memorial Fund who made the program possible.”

“The Shannon Community Safety Initiative invests in the safety and future of our youth. We’re grateful for the work of our partners in Lowell who are ensuring that young people have access to lifesaving swim lessons and other programs that ensure their wellbeing,” said Office of Grants and Research Executive Director Kevin Stanton.

For more information on the Lowell Police Youth Services program, or to contact someone about the swimming program, visit: https://lowellpolice.org/youth-services/.