Rose Bowl Aquatics Center in Pasadena Presents ‘The Transformational Power of Water’

How can water change lives and communities for the better?

Two experts – including Los Angeles native and Paralympic Swimming Medalist Jamal Hill – will be answering that question during a DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) Speaker Event on Wednesday, Aug. 23, hosted virtually by the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center in Pasadena.

The webinar, called “The Transformational Power of Water,” will also feature Public Health Expert Aizita Magana, a Latina public health professional who works with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. They will share their stories and insights on how water can create positive change, especially for people facing access and inclusion barriers in the aquatic world.

This virtual event is free and open to the public.

Hill, a 10X National Paralympic Swimming Champion who established Swim Up Hill Foundation and Aquatics Today, will be elsewhere during the event but will join the virtual panel. The Swim Up Hill Foundation will launch its first program in Japan on the same day.

“My driving motivation to be a part of the RBAC event centered around diversity, equity, and inclusion is that I consider it my duty as a Global Aquatics Leader, United Nations Representative, and hometown kid from Los Angeles County,” Hill said. “Swimming isn’t one color, creed, or nationality. I think people know that. What I do is help people connect to the stories and perspectives surrounding the aquatic environments they encounter daily by providing context as to ‘why things are how they are’ and ‘how to fix it.’”

Speaking about how the event and similar discussions will impact the community, Hill said he hopes the conversation would ultimately remind the community that “we all have the same responsibility.”

“If you want to change, you must be the change,” he said. “Drowning, just like racism and classism, is only a stone’s toss away from anyone’s front porch (or backyard pool for that matter). It’s a world we all live in and have to navigate. Our collective mission is to enjoy as much as possible and protect our families. Refusing and resisting collaboration that would end drowning and win the war on water safety put us all in mortal danger.”

In an announcement about the webinar, the RBAC said the primary goal is to spark a meaningful conversation that encourages inclusivity and equitability within the aquatic community. The RBAC DEI committee organizers also aim to underscore the importance of breaking down barriers and promoting diversity in all its forms, according to the announcement.

In his remarks, Hill said he hopes there would be staff from the RBAC and other aquatic facilities in Pasadena and throughout Southern California attending.

“I believe what’s missing is the ever-present thought that we as aquatics professionals are safeguards, the most trusted line of defense in and around an aquatic environment,” he said. “We must be aware not only of potential aquatic dangers but also of more nuanced societal factors that can create a dangerous aquatic environment in an instant.”

Aizita Magana will explore the societal impact of water-related activities and the potential for water-based initiatives to foster community well-being and inclusivity. As a public health professional, Magana’s points of view “will provide attendees with a deeper understanding of the link between water, health, and social equity,” the announcement said.

“At the core of our mission lies an unwavering commitment to Water Safety. Engaging in meaningful conversations about the challenges surrounding equity within aquatics holds immense value, driving our efforts to create a significant impact in preventing drownings within the community. We are also including this webinar as training for RBAC employees.” Said Jimmy Francis, RBAC President and Executive Director.

RSVP is required for attendance at the free online DEI Speaker event. To register and RSVP, fill out this online Google Form and submit, you will receive a call-in link.

Wednesday’s webinar begins at 5:30 p.m.

For more information, visit www.rosebowlaquatics.org.