Milwaukee sits on the shore of the world's largest freshwater body yet many of our children have never seen Lake Michigan.  As a model water city, we have a moral imperative to ensure every child can experience our lake and rivers.  Many cities across the U.S. are already facilitating free swimming lessons for every child.  
 
Milwaukee is in a unique position to go above and beyond that benchmark.  With an active sailing, kayaking, fishing, rowing and gardening community, Milwaukee could help children explore the many ways to appreciate and steward water.  Likewise, it is equally as important for our adults to participate in easily accessible water-based recreation.