CARY, N.C. -- Swimmers from across the country made a splash Saturday.

• 'National Black Heritage Championship Swim Meet' is happening at the Triangle Aquatic Center
• Local swimmers see how their skills measure up to those around the country
• Competition wraps up on May 27

The 16th annual 'National Black Heritage Championship Swim Meet' is happening at the Triangle Aquatic Center.

Local swimmers and teams were able to see how their skills measured up against some of the best competitors in the country.

For coordinators, this event is about more than just hosting a national swim competition.

"It's very well known that the minority race has a lot of drowning especially around memorial weekend and of the things that we want to really make sure is that we're teaching kids not to swim but how to save themselves," says Cofound Lisa Webb.

"You can be the best swimmer and still drown so we want to teach children really how to save themselves."

The competition wraps up on Sunday, May 27.