They provided family swimming, lap swimming, competitive (Alameda Ala-gators) and non-competitive age group swimming along with our free kindergarten swim. The inspiration for the program originally came from Frank Weeden, Fred Stolte and with the help of some of their close friends and associates. Mr. Weeden maintained that since Alameda is an island, all children should learn to swim. It was a practical matter of public safety as well as providing a healthy activity for the children of Alameda. The primary purpose of the program was for the benefit of the children first, and as an added feature, for their families and the swimming enthusiasts in the city.