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Darnell Blackburn: Life’s challenges can’t stop my swim journey

I Can’t stop -- I Won’t stop!

Darnell's swim lessons. (WDIV)

DETROIT – Well, it’s been about 3 months since my first swim lesson and I’m still not where I want to be. Can I survive in the water? “Yes.” Am I thriving in the water? “No.”


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Truth be told I can save myself, but I don’t feel as comfortable as I should to take care of my 5- and 3-year-old sons and it’s not because of a lack of effort.

See amid taking swim lessons life decided to happen (work, wife, kids, issues). I had to make up some classes and at times I had to go to a different YMCA. I finished my seven-week course but that was not nearly enough time for me. So, I’m seeing this thing through. I signed up for private lessons to continue to learn from my awesome instructor Krystalyn Rivera.

I’ve already had to reschedule and makeup classes for some of my private lessons but I’m not deterred. Delay is not denial as long as I’m persistent (it just means I get to hang out a little longer with Krystalyn cause she’s pretty cool).

Honestly, I can’t thank all the staff at the Boll Family YMCA and the Mt. Clemens YMCA for being accommodating and gracious throughout this journey. I’d also like to acknowledge my classmates as we served as each other’s cheer squad. Encouraging each other all the way through our 7-week course.

I’ve always believed that what’s important to you is where you put your time, talent, and money. Well, I’m committed. I’m committed to staying out of the kiddie pool. I’m committed to learning no matter how long it takes. I’m committed to being an example for anyone to see it’s never too late to learn!

You can find more information on YMCA’s swim lessons here.


About the Author

Darnell Blackburn, a former police officer, is Local 4's Crime and Safety Expert and part of the on-air team of traffic reporters for the station's Timesaver Traffic segments weekdays from 4:30 to 8 a.m.

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