After Four-Year Journey, Swim Up Hill Brings Swim Up Hill Method to Compton in Groundbreaking City Partnership
Swim Up Hill and the City of Compton launch trauma-informed, culturally tailored swim programming, training over 10 city staff, and advancing LA28 swim equity goals.
Compton, California — After four years of grassroots organizing, relationship building, and bold persistence, Swim Up Hill has officially partnered with the City of Compton to launch its groundbreaking, trauma-informed swim education initiative at the revitalized Gonzales Park pool. Supported by local ally One with the Ocean and equipment partner Aqua by Dolfino, the program delivers a full summer season of culturally relevant lessons and trains more than 10 Compton staff to lead a lasting shift in how aquatics is delivered and experienced in historically excluded communities.
"This moment is historic not because it took four years to build, but because Compton said yes to doing aquatics differently," said Paralympic medalist Jamal Hill, founder of Swim Up Hill. "We are showing that swimming is more than a skill. It is a tool for healing, employment, and community empowerment."
The City of Compton partners with Swim Up Hill to bring trauma-informed, culturally tailored swim programming to Gonzales Park.
A New Era in Aquatics Access
The Swim Up Hill Method was created as a direct alternative to traditional, one-size-fits-all programs. Grounded in trauma-informed teaching and cultural humility, it is designed to meet learners where they are, especially in Black and Brown communities that have been overlooked in swim education. With support from Aqua by Dolfino, newly trained Compton instructors now teach with professional-grade tools in an environment rooted in dignity, safety, and respect.
"This is about reclaiming swimming for our city," said the City of Compton’s Aquatics Director. "Our youth, our families, and our staff deserve this level of care and investment."
Newly trained City of Compton staff are now teaching trauma-informed swim lessons through the Swim Up Hill Method, empowering youth with skills, confidence, and community opportunity.
From Idle Facility to Living Legacy
The summer kickoff event featured a gear giveaway and community celebration, transforming Gonzales Park into a hub of joy and learning. The launch is being documented for a national campaign, with upcoming site visits to cultural landmarks such as the Compton Arts and History Museum, highlighting the connection between water, identity, and local heritage.
This work is part of the All Roads Lead to LA28 campaign, positioning Compton as a replicable model for equity-focused aquatics.
Real Impact, Right Now
Over 10 City of Compton staff trained
Full summer of trauma-informed swim instruction launched
Equipment donated by Aqua by Dolfino
National campaign filming underway
Job creation and community engagement seeded for long-term growth
Paralympian and Swim Up Hill founder Jamal Hill leads poolside training at Gonzales Park, turning a long-idle facility into a hub of healing, jobs, and local pride.
What’s Next
This is just the beginning. Swim Up Hill is seeking sponsors, collaborators, and media partners to help scale the movement. From funding scholarships and staff training to supporting national awareness, there are many ways to get involved.
MEDIA CONTACT:
pr@swimuphill.com
