Russ Urban who died tragically in November, 2010, in an airplane crash, was a long-time supporter of teaching inner city youth to swim. As a way of honoring Russ’s work, his wife, Judy, sponsored the Russ Urban Memorial Water Safety Program for inner city children this summer. 

The children, ages 9-18, are members of The Deputy Auxiliary Police Service (DAP’s) and Cadets programs associated with the Pacific Division of the Los Angeles Police Department. The Deputy Auxiliary Police Service (DAPS) program was created to help boys and girls ages 9 – 13 develop a positive relationship with law enforcement officials. The Cadets program which introduces basic law enforcement concepts and techniques develops leadership and discipline in young people between the ages of 14-21. 

LAPD Officer Kristan Delatori, has been in the LA Police Department for over 15 years and has been coordinator of the DAP’s Program for the past five years. She, along with her partner Officer Darrel Mathews, initiated the Swim Program in 2007 when she learned that over 90 per cent of their DAP’s could not swim and most had no family members who could swim. 

Her research turned up some startling facts.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that nine people die from drowning in the United States every day. Among ethnic groups, the CDC reported, African-Americans have the most limited swimming ability and noted that 56 percent of Hispanic children were non-swimmers. "If this were a disease, this would be an epidemic," said a spokesman for the group. "We see this disproportionate number of drowning because generationally those parents and grandparents did not have the opportunity or access to quality swim programming," he said. "As a result they didn't pass it along to their children." Many children are taught to stay away from the water altogether and this creates a barrier of fear so they won't even go to the pool or go to the beach and are petrified of the water.

This summer there were 37 DAP's and eight CADET's in the learn-to-swim program that started on June 29, 2011 and ended on August 3, 2011. They completed a six week water safety program working with the LA County Lifeguards utilizing the Venice High School pool. Other officers volunteered to assist in the water with Officer Delatori

 A graduation for the youth was held at the Police Academy at Elysian Park in Los Angeles, CA on August 17, 2011. This was also the wedding anniversary of Russ and Judy's wedding. Ensuring that all children are “drown-proof” was a long-time dream of Russ’s and this summer that dream came even closer to being a reality!

If your child is interested in learning to swim through the DAPS or Cadets Program, contact Officer Kristan Delatori, Community Relations Liaison Officer, at 310-202-2890 to learn more about the water safety program and other youth activities