Swim Up Hill and National City Launch SDG-Aligned Learn-to-Swim Program with Support from UN Leaders, Local Schools, and Global Partners
First-of-its-kind initiative turns UN vision into community action through school-based aquatics education and job training in Greater San Diego
National City, California — A groundbreaking new initiative is bringing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals to life through the power of swimming. Swim Up Hill Foundation, in collaboration with the National City School District and a coalition of global and local partners, has launched a bold, district-wide learn-to-swim program serving elementary students at Las Palmas Pool. This program represents a significant step forward for health equity, public safety, and community development in one of Greater San Diego’s most underserved regions.
Las Palmas Pool in National City, the hub of the new SDG-aligned learn-to-swim program serving local elementary students.
Led by Paralympic medalist and UN Young Leader Jamal Hill, the initiative is directly aligned with UN SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. It merges municipal leadership, international expertise, and on-the-ground engagement to deliver free swim lessons, certified staff training, and youth-centered storytelling. Program delivery begins this summer, supported by partners including Prevent Drowning Foundation of San Diego and Aqua by Dolfino.
“This is what the Sustainable Development Goals look like in action,” said Jamal Hill, founder of Swim Up Hill Foundation. “We are not just creating swim lessons. We are building global alignment, community trust, and youth empowerment right here in National City.”
Students across the National City School District will gain access to free water safety instruction, while Las Palmas Pool staff will be trained and certified in the Swim Up Hill methodology.
National City: A model for health equity and municipal transformation through swim education.
This launch builds on the leadership of Superintendent Leighangela Brady, whose commitment to health equity and whole-child development has positioned National City as a model for municipal transformation. “We have long believed that water safety should be accessible and inclusive,” said Brady. “This partnership helps bring that vision to life.”
The initiative represents a fusion of Olympic preparation, community resilience, and student engagement. It also creates new opportunities for cross-sector collaboration between education, sport, and health agencies, all united under a shared mission to prevent drowning and promote dignity through swimming.
This announcement is part of Swim Up Hill’s broader “All Roads Lead to LA28” campaign, advancing Olympic legacy and access through transformative local partnerships. From high-need neighborhoods to the global stage, Swim Up Hill is rewriting the narrative around who gets to swim, lead, and thrive.
To support this initiative, individuals and organizations are invited to fund future SDG-aligned district programs, sponsor documentary storytelling, or join Swim Up Hill’s expanding pipeline of city-based partners working toward health equity and water safety.
MEDIA CONTACT:
pr@swimuphill.com
