ATLANTA -- Earlier this week, we shared the daring rescue of three little boys trapped in a creek in northwest Atlanta. And Atlanta Police Officer rushed in to save their lives.
They made it out safely; however, no one in the group of boys, the youngest being seven-years-old, knew how to swim.
Which is one of the reasons a new report suggests kids in both black and hispanic communities should learn how to swim.
"Going under water," said Andrew Lewis.
Four-year-old Lewis, now on his fifth swimming lesson at the Decatur-Dekalb YMCA, is taking to the water like a professional.
His instructor, Michael Norment, teaches him technique but most importantly survival tips.
"You never know when you're going to be near a body of water," said Norment.
Thanks to his mom's own fear of swimming, Andrew will soon be able to not only enjoy the water but he will also be able to take rescue himself if trouble arises.
Which is good news on a day the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission kicked off its 'Pool Safety' campaign in an effort to increase swimming education in communities, densely, populated with African-Americans and Hispanics.
"Part of it is due to just access and exposure," said Norment.
"I think there are a lot of myths behind it," said Nathan Jones. "We can swim just as well as anyone."
Jones, however, understands the numbers behind the CDC's report, which says: Black children between the ages of 5-14 are three times more likely to drown than white children.
"The dangers of not knowing - following your friends jumping in the water and you can't get back to the wall," said Jones.
According to the USA Swimming Foundation - 70 percent of African-American and 60 percent of Hispanic children can't swim.
But people are on the case and trying to bring those numbers down.
"We want all children to know how to swim to be safe in an environment around the pool, creek, lake so if they fall in they can get out," said Beth Costello, aquatics director at Decatur-Dekalb YMCA.
Andrew's mom says there are perks.
"I think it opens more doors of opportunity and you know how to survive," said Lewis.