Swimming is more than a life skill—it’s a gateway to confidence, resilience, and opportunity. Yet, drowning remains the second leading cause of death for children under 15, with Black children ages 10–14 more than seven times more likely to drown than their white peers. At Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston (BGCB), the aquatics program is changing this narrative, ensuring every child has the chance to thrive in and out of the water.
“We’re not just teaching kids how to swim. We’re teaching them how to believe in themselves. Swimming is a gateway to building confidence, resilience, and leadership.” – Richard Mojica, Gross Family Aquatics Director
A Legacy of Opportunity
The late Richard “Richie” Voke, during his 30-year tenure on BGCB’s Board of Directors, recognized the transformative power of aquatics. Voke’s legacy continues today through endowed funds that help support swimming programs at the Gerald and Darlene Jordan Club and the Charlestown Club. Thanks to the support of Voke and others, generations of children have access to life-saving lessons and the chance to build self-confidence.
Under the leadership of the Gross Family Aquatics Director Richard Mojica, who brings over two decades of experience coaching swimmers from beginners to Olympians, BGCB’s comprehensive program serves youth at all skill levels. “We’re not just teaching kids how to swim,” says Mojica. “We’re teaching them how to believe in themselves. Swimming is a gateway to building confidence, resilience, and leadership.”
The program’s impact is exemplified by 10-year-old twins Kiara and Kathia. Two years ago, neither sister knew how to swim. Today, they represent BGCB at national championships. “Swimming taught me I’m stronger than I think I am,” says Kathia. “If I try something and don’t give up, I can do it because anything is possible.” Her sister Kiara adds, “When I learned to swim, I felt like I could try harder things, like challenging math problems or new art techniques. Swimming gave me [the] confidence to take on anything.”
Empowering Youth Beyond the Pool
Beyond competitive swimming, the program creates pathways to employment through lifeguard training and certification. Through partnerships with schools, health organizations, and community groups, BGCB’s aquatics programs have become hubs of opportunity and inclusion.
For the twins’ mother, Claribel, the transformation has been astonishing. “The Club didn’t just teach my daughters how to swim—it taught them how to believe in themselves. That’s a gift that will last a lifetime.”Today, the Richard A. Voke Pool serves as more than just a swimming facility—it’s a place where young people discover their potential, build confidence, and develop crucial life skills. Through the generosity of donors like Richie Voke and the dedication of staff like Richard Mojica, BGCB’s aquatics program continues to make waves, creating ripples of positive change far beyond the pool.
