Help Us Spread the Word About "A Swim Lesson" - Join the Dissent Against Harmful Practices in Aquatic Education
A Call for Action on the Oscar-Shortlisted Film "A Swim Lesson"
As you may have heard, the Oscar-shortlisted documentary film A Swim Lesson has raised serious concerns within the field of aquatic education. The film features traumatic pedagogical practices that experts worldwide, including child development professionals, public health educators, and water safety experts, are condemning. This film, which was co-released by PBS and the LA Times, showcases aggressive teaching methods that are widely considered harmful, such as repeatedly forcing children underwater, potentially leading to aspiration and physical harm.
We need your help to bring attention to this issue, challenge the normalization of trauma-based methods, and promote evidence-based, compassionate, and safe aquatic education for children.
What’s at Stake?
The film has already garnered international attention, and as an Oscar-shortlisted project, it has the power to influence public opinion and policy on child water safety. However, we are deeply concerned that the film, despite its fame, showcases methods that contradict all established principles of safe aquatic education.
Key Points:
- The method depicted in the film is not supported by any scientific evidence or established water safety practices.
- Trauma-based techniques used in the film have been criticized as abusive and dangerous, not conducive to long-term water safety.
- Hollywood's censorship—The voices of professionals and experts condemning the film have been silenced, as PR teams delete critical comments on public platforms.
This is not just about swimming lessons—this is about children’s safety, mental health, and long-term water competency.
We Need Your Help to Reach Media Outlets
We are actively seeking to connect with media outlets—especially those focused on investigative journalism, culture, health, sports, and public health. If you have media contacts, particularly at larger outlets (print or television), please reach out. We need to amplify this issue and make sure it gets the attention it deserves.
Here’s how you can help:
- Reach out to your media contacts—help us get in touch with investigative reporters, editors, or reporters focused on health and child safety.
- Help with the outreach efforts: Share our materials and spread the word in your networks.
- Sign up for the media outreach event on February 23rd and be part of a larger discussion about the controversy.
How You Can Make a Difference:
Discuss, Support, Sign Letters
- Join the Discussion: We’re hosting an international discussion on this issue with over 100 participants expected. Join us on February 23rd at 12pm PST / 3pm EST. [Contact us to get the call-in info].
- Support Our Outreach: Share the materials linked below with your network, and help spread the word. We’ve created easy-to-use templates and forms you can share with your contacts.
- Sign the Letters: We’re gathering signatures for a formal letter of dissent to be sent to PBS, LA Times, and the filmmakers. The goal is to pressure the organizations to stop promoting harmful practices.
Important Resources & Links
Letter of Dissent for Filmmakers, Directors, and Media Outlets
A diverse group of interdisciplinary experts, including pediatricians, public health professionals, aquatics specialists, and child development researchers, are expressing deep concern over the Oscar-nominated documentary A Swim Lesson. This letter urges the removal of the film from award consideration due to its portrayal of harmful, trauma-inducing methods that violate fundamental principles of child development, safety, and evidence-based practices in water education. The letter advocates for trauma-free, developmentally appropriate approaches to water safety that prioritize children’s well-being and competency in aquatic environments.
No Nonsense” Method: Aquatic Trauma/Campaign of Opposition
This document outlines concerns surrounding the “No Nonsense” swimming method, originating with Tom Bradbury in the 1960s and later popularized by Bill Marsh and various instructors across the United States. The method’s controversial approach involves a firm, high-pressure technique that some claim results in children becoming water-safe in as little as a week, but at the cost of potential emotional and physical trauma. The document critiques this method's widespread adoption, including examples of instructors who apply it, while highlighting the lack of scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness or safety. The piece urges further investigation into the method's ethical implications, including potential media and legislative responses to protect children from harmful practices.
more coming
Once I get the google document I will convert them to PDF and we will have here: Call for Media Investigation by Major Outlets
[Link to Call for Media Outreach]
Background Information on the Film and Controversy
[Link to Google Doc: Background Information]
Hollywood’s Censorship of Experts’ Views on the Film
[Link to YouTube Interview: Amy Pohler and Rashida Jones Interview]
Letter to the Editor (LA Times)
[Link to Google Form for Signing]
Why This Matters – The Harmful Effects of Trauma-Based Swimming Lessons
The Core Issue
The methods depicted in A Swim Lesson are controversial for good reason. These techniques include forcibly submerging children underwater to the point of distress, resulting in vomiting, choking, and panic. These methods do not foster trust or confidence but instead create fear that can have lasting emotional and physical effects on children.
Experts worldwide agree that trauma-based approaches are not the way to teach children how to swim. Research consistently supports the idea that children learn best in trust-based, play-driven environments that foster emotional regulation and autonomy.
Call to Action – Help Us Make a Change
This is Your Moment to Help
Together, we can make a change. By spreading the word, connecting us with key media outlets, and supporting our outreach efforts, you can help us ensure that safe, evidence-based practices are the ones that take center stage in swimming lessons for children.
Join the Movement Today!
- Share our resources with your contacts.
- Sign our petitions.
- Get in touch if you have media connections.
Let’s Raise Our Voices for Safe Swimming Education
Let's unite to ensure every child experiences a positive, trauma-free introduction to swimming, grounded in research and best practices.
We cannot allow harmful, trauma-inducing methods to be celebrated in the name of art or education. The future of children’s safety in the water depends on all of us working together to promote the most effective, nurturing, and research-backed approaches to aquatic education.
Your support in this cause is vital, and we truly appreciate your efforts to help amplify the message. Together, we can make a meaningful difference.
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