History:

Beginning in 1992, Commissioner Lee instituted the Harris County Aquatics Program to develop valuable leadership and teamwork skills for youth through swimming. Through teaching the sport of swimming and also in providing opportunities for competition, the Aquatics Program instills discipline and teamwork, while also providing instruction in a lifetime sport. The program is growing each year, and its award winning team, the Mighty Dolphins, has successfully competed in numerous local and national swim meets across the USA.

HCAP developed into what it is today by partnering with the Houston Independent School District, Aldine Independent School District, and the American Red Cross. The program operates in five local schools: Attucks and Cullen Middle Schools, Kashmere, Mac Arthur, and Yates High Schools. Each site is staffed with a swim coach, water safety instructors and lifeguard. Harris County Precinct One coordinates the program with funding received from the Harris County Community Develop Department. The American Red Cross provides certified Water Safety Instructors (WSI) and Life Guards (LG). The school districts provide the facilities a coach at each site.

Our highly successful Harris County Aquatic Program "HCAP" is due in large part to its' director, Johnnie "Coach" Means, a renowned swim coach and recently retired head of the Texas southern University's Swim Department. He continues to demonstrate his dual vision and mission of training young bodies for recreational and competitive swimming, while simultaneously training young minds in skills of discipline, self-assurance and commitment.