December 8, 2022
With an outpouring of support, the City of North Miami council recently renamed its swim program after one of its teen interns who drowned in May of this year. Alyssa Mack-Lie Lucien, an 18-year-old North Miami resident, was an outgoing and active teen who served on the North Miami Youth Council and interned in the North Miami Clerk’s Office. The city council renamed the program to Alyssa MackLie Lucien Learn to Swim Program in honor of Alyssa and her involvement in the community. The item was co-sponsored by Vice Mayor Alix Desulme, Ed.D. and District 3 Councilwoman Mary Estimé-Irvin.
“I feel good that the city renamed the program after my daughter,” Samuel Lucien said. “It is a gesture that will allow her to be publicly remembered always.”
Lucien was overcome with emotion during the city’s November 18, 2022, special council meeting. He expressed appreciation and took solace in knowing that renaming the swim lesson could potentially save the lives of others. Even for Lucien, he has since inquired about his other children taking lessons at the city’s pool.
“My daughter did not know how to swim – none of us do,” Lucien revealed. “So, my wife, Anaira Jean Baptiste, and I want our other children to learn how to swim. If Alyssa knew how to swim, she would be here today. So, I hope by renaming the program after her it will bring more attention to the importance of knowing how to swim.”
North Miami Parks and Recreation Department offers the Learn to Swim Program to children and adults at Thomas Sasso Pool, 1100 NW 125 ST, North Miami, FL 33168. Sessions are year-round with classes geared toward advancing basic skills to stroke techniques and proper swim form under the training of American Red Cross certified instructors to ensure water safety of participants.
North Miami Parks and Recreation Director Sam Brinson explained that swim lessons serve as a life-saving skill by reducing the risk of drowning and improving water safety abilities. He went on to state, “The city encourages everyone to learn to swim regardless of age and we will help residents achieve a level of swimming proficiency to not only save their own lives but the lives of others if such an unfortunate situation arises.”
For details about the Alyssa Mack-Lie Lucien Learn to Swim Program or how to register for swim lessons, visit www.NorthMiamiFL.gov/Parks or call North Miami Parks and Recreation Department at 305-681-0701.
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About the City of North Miami
North Miami is a suburban city located in northeast Miami-Dade County, Florida. It is roughly 10 miles (16 km) north of Miami. The city lies on Biscayne Bay which surrounds the Biscayne Bay Campus of Florida International University. North Miami is home to a diverse demographic of residents. With more than 64,000 residents, North Miami is the sixth largest city in Miami-Dade County. We are home to the Oleta River State Park; the largest urban park in the Florida State Park System and the nationally accredited Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA North Miami).
Originally published at https://www.northmiamifl.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=253
