One of our long-term goals is to build a swim center in DC.  A swimmer since the age of six and a lifelong athlete, WPL Founder, Jeff Brown, credits swimming with saving his life. Growing up in one of DC's most dangerous neighborhoods, Jeff found a safe place at the pool and an outlet in swimming. The sport taught him self-discipline, focus and self-reliance. It also helped him stay in shape and encouraged him to take pride in himself and his body. It built his self-esteem and also created opportunities for him to travel the world. 



The statistics are very disheartening a recent study by the USA Swimming Foundation found that 70% of African American children and 58% of Hispanic children have little or no swimming ability.  The major factor in a child’s inability to swim comes from their parents. In a family in which neither parent swim 91% of African American children and 70% of Latino children will never learn to swim.  We believe these are numbers we can change with the establishment of the Jeff Brown Natatorium.  Programming at the Jeff Brown Natatorium will focus on encouraging minorities of all ages to take the plunge, get moving, and learn to swim.