Free youth swim lessons that will begin this summer in Flatbush will be named in honor of two teenagers who drowned off the coast of Jacob Riis Park in 2024.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams on Thursday announced the “Elyjha Chandler and Christian Perkins Swim for Life” class at the Erasmus Hall Educational Campus in Flatbush, part of the city's effort to expand free swim safety classes to 18,000 second graders.
“The most important job we have as a city is to take care of our kids and keep them safe, and that includes ensuring that our young swimmers are safe and protected this summer,” said Adams. “We know that having access to free swim lessons can make a big difference in families’ lives."
The mayor said renaming the swim classes at Erasmus is "turning unimaginable pain and sorrow into purpose.” The two teens had attended Abraham Lincoln High School in Coney Island.
“I’m incredibly grateful that this swim class is not only teaching life-saving skills, but also honoring my son, Elyjha Chandler, and his friend Christian Perkins in a meaningful way,” said Aminatu Noah, mother of Elyjha Chandler. “Knowing that their names will be associated with water safety and protecting other families from experiencing this kind of loss brings a sense of purpose to our pain. This program is a step toward change and a legacy of hope.”
Kibret Perkins, mother of Christian Perkins, said she prays this swim program helps prevent further tragedies.
"This beautiful tribute not only honors their memory but also offers hope, healing, and protection to our community," she said.
For more information about the Swim For Life program, click here.
