About us
Built around one belief: every child deserves to be safe in water.
Swim Safe Start Strong is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on expanding access to swim education and water safety knowledge.
Mission
Why we exist
Swim Safe Start Strong exists to ensure every child has access to lifesaving swim education by connecting families with qualified swim instructors, expanding access through scholarships and community partnerships, and promoting water safety education that empowers children, families, and communities to prevent drowning.
Vision
"A future where every child in America has access to lifesaving swim education and every community is equipped with the knowledge and resources to prevent drowning."
Our promise
"No child should be denied lifesaving swim education because of where they live or what their family can afford."
What guides us
How we approach the work.
Access first
We focus on removing the two biggest barriers to swim education: not knowing where to start, and not being able to afford it.
Community-rooted
We work through and alongside existing instructors, pools, and organizations rather than trying to replace them.
Safety-centered
Everything we do ties back to preventing drowning — through education, access, and honest information.
Transparent & accountable
As a nonprofit, we aim to be clear about what we do, what we don't do, and how support is used.
What we are — and aren't
Setting clear expectations.
| Swim Safe Start Strong is… | Swim Safe Start Strong is not… |
|---|---|
| A connector between families and instructors/programs | A swim school or lesson provider |
| A source of scholarship funding, as available | A guarantee of financial aid or specific award amounts |
| A water safety education resource | A certifying body or substitute for professional training |
| A supporter of community partners | An employer or supervisor of instructors and programs |
Organizational disclosure
Swim Safe Start Strong is recognized by the IRS as a tax-exempt charitable organization. We do not employ, supervise, endorse, guarantee, or directly provide swim lessons. All instructor and program information shared through our services is for informational and referral purposes only, and families are responsible for evaluating and selecting any provider.
Join the mission
Help us reach more families.
Your support helps grow scholarships, referrals, and water safety education for children who need it most.